Volunteer Trail Crew Member

A Volunteer Trail Crew Member participates in the four to eight-member rotating crew led by two GMC Staff Leads. Volunteer crew members work for a week at a time (with the option of working single or multiple weeks) along the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Projects include new trail construction, trail reconstruction, infrastructure improvements, shelter and campsite improvements. Volunteers are based out of the Mt. Tabor Work Center in Mt. Tabor, Vermont. Most Volunteer Crew projects are in the Green Mountain National Forest, and some are in federally designated wilderness areas.

Crews work Friday through Tuesday in the field in most weather. They work with rock and lumber, as well as native timber as projects require. Crew volunteers arrive at the Mt. Tabor Work Center each Thursday and have a communal dinner with GMC staff. Friday through Monday nights, crews camp near their worksites and share a communal camp kitchen, as well as camp chores. The GMC provides transportation to the worksite trailhead, food for the crew during the workweek, tools, personal protective equipment, and some group equipment (stove, fuel, cookware, first aid supplies), as well as some personal gear for volunteers to borrow. Communal day-off housing is available in Mt. Tabor. You must be 18 or older to participate.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete trail maintenance and construction projects on hiking trails throughout Vermont as part of VLTC.
• Use trail tools in accordance with GMC safety protocol and always comply with personal protective equipment requirements.
• Perform weekly cleaning and maintenance of trail tools and camp gear.
• Share equal responsibilities in camp duties such as cooking, cleaning, and food storage.
• Maintain high standards of work in a range of weather conditions, including adverse conditions.
• Work in a professional and respectful manner with crew leader and fellow crew members.
• Utilize Leave No Trace practices while working and in camp.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience performing manual labor with hand tools
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well as a member of a small group
• Experience camping or backpacking
• Friendly and professional attitude towards hiking public
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to be on foot for 8-10 hours per day, including hiking several miles with a heavy pack
• Ability to perform difficult manual labor for 8-10 hours per day and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the workday

Questions: Lorne Currier, Volunteer and Education Coordinator lcurrier@greenmountainclub.org;  802-241-8329