Trail Crew Lead

Green Mountain Club Trail Crews have been building and maintaining stretches of the Long Trail System and Appalachian Trail since 1931. Vermont’s hiking trails can be rugged, wet, and rocky, and our professional crews take on our biggest, most technical, and most challenging projects! The Crew Leads work closely with the Project Coordinator to scout and plan work projects in late spring, and to handle project logistics throughout the work season. Role models of dedication and sound judgment, Crew Leads guide and instruct their crews as they work hard, have fun, and forge a strong and positive community. We seek to create a more welcoming trail crew culture unconstrained by tradition, and want Crew Leads who share this goal.

GMC trail crews work on heavily damaged sections of trail throughout Vermont that require intensive repair or rebuilding. Projects are almost entirely backcountry-based, and most involve technical stone work. Our crews build staircases, turnpike, bridges, waterbars, and stepping stones, to name just a few examples.

Crews consist of a Crew Lead, an Assistant Lead, and three Trail Technicians. Monday through Thursday nights crews camp near their work sites and share a communal camp kitchen, as well as camp chores. Crew members provide their own personal camping gear and food. The GMC provides transportation to the work site, safety equipment, tools, and some group equipment (stove, cookware, first aid supplies). Communal day-off housing is available in Waterbury Center or Mt. Tabor, VT based on project locations.

Locations:
Trail crews work all over the Vermont Long Trail, Appalachian Trail, and side trails. Crews may camp out for a single week on short projects, then return to another campsite many times on multi-week projects.

2026 Position Dates:
Fall Season: August 3 – October 30, or ASAP if feasible.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, camping at work site Monday – Thursday nights
Compensation: $850-925/week, plus housing.
Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid training provided, retirement (403b) employer matching, eligible for pro deal gear discounts. Leads may have opportunity for other trainings including chainsaw, crosscut, and rigging for stone work.

Crew Lead Responsibilities:

• Guide Assistant Lead and Trail Technicians on trail construction and maintenance projects.
• Work with Project Coordinator to scout and plan work projects.
• Set weekly work schedules to efficiently complete project goals.
• Complete weekly work logs and reports.
• Oversee weekly cleaning and maintenance of project tools and camp supplies
• Develop and foster healthy working relationships with and between all members of crew.
• Maintain high standards of work and safety in a range of weather conditions.
• Use trail tools in accordance with GMC safety protocols and comply with personal protective equipment requirements at all times.
• Implement and model Leave No Trace practices at project work site and at camp.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and operational tool storage facility at GMC Headquarters.
• Ensure safe and responsible operation of GMC vehicles and conduct weekly vehicle checks.
• Act as GMC on-site liaison with agency partners, including the U.S. Forest Service and Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation.
• Assist with Monday morning group cleaning of staff housing.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Crew Lead Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License required
• Wilderness First Aid certification required (class available free of charge during orientation); WFR preferred (recertification available free of charge during orientation)
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)
• Extensive experience with trail building tools and basic power tools
• Extensive trail building and maintenance skills
• Experience in leadership positions, preferably in trail work or outdoor education
• Comfort and experience instructing others in diverse work environments
• Ability to problem-solve independently and collaboratively in the backcountry
• Ability to adhere to weekly work schedules and flexibility to adjust schedules as required by project developments
• Strong backcountry living skills, including cooking and waste management
• Experience working with agency and project partners

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at a time
• Ability to be on foot for prolonged periods of time, including hiking several miles with a heavy pack
• Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the workday