Professional Trail Crew Leader

Professional Trail Crew Leader position beginning April 7, 2025 through late Fall

Seasonal Nonprofit

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Job Location

Noble View Outdoor Center

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Job Description

Dates: April-November, 2025. Dates can be flexible, but preference given to candidates who can work full season.

Hiring Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews beginning in January and continuing through spring until positions are filled. If the job is posted, we are accepting applications!

Location: Housing at AMC's Noble View Trails Facility in Russell, MA. Projects throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Southern New Hampshire.

Hiring Manager: Caitlin McCarthy- Trail Programs Manager, Southern New England



Description

AMC is home to the oldest paid trail crew in the country, founded in 1919. Our 2025 season is brimming with technical trail work in front-country and backcountry locations throughout our beautiful and historic region of Southern New England (SNE). We will field three Southern New England (SNE) Trail Crews in 2025, each comprised of three crew members, one assistant crew lead, and one crew lead.

Crews work ten-hour days, four days on, three days off, Monday through Thursday, with rare exceptions. Crews are to communally camp on site during the work week. Off-day/weekend communal housing is provided at AMC's Noble View Trails Facility in Russell, MA, and includes Wi-Fi, a kitchen facility, common areas, trail access, and fellowship with other AMC seasonal employees.

Project work for the 2025 season includes a wide variety of traditional trail crew work including treadway improvements, the construction of rock staircases, timber bridges, boardwalks, and more. Our Southern New England crews will also construct at least one All-Persons-Trail (APT) during the 2025 field season. Crews will use a variety of machinery including excavators, skid steers, compactors, and power wheelbarrows to build a 5-foot-wide gravel surfaced trail that will provide all persons’ access to green spaces throughout the region. AMC will pay for Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders to obtain MA hoisting license and will provide on the job training in machine operation. Visit this website to learn more about AMC’s All-Persons-Trails.

Training opportunities include Wilderness First Aid, outdoor leadership training, axe and crosscut use and maintenance, chainsaw use and maintenance, rigging, drilling and splitting rock, heavy equipment operation, and more.

What You’ll Be Doing At AMC

Crew Leaders are responsible for ensuring that professional quality and quantity work is completed on time. Crew Leads are also responsible for mentoring and collaborating with their Assistant Crew Lead to manage the safety and overall morale of the crew, collect accurate data and quality photos for project reports, and communicate openly and frequently with their Field Supervisors and Program Manager. AMC is committed to supporting our crew leads with a variety of skilled trainings, clear expectations, consistent communication, support of a work-life balance, and presence in the field.



Coordinate and support a crew of 3 trail crew members + 1 Assistant Crew Leader to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field
Supervise the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls.
Layout project work and continually check specifications using levels, measuring tape, chalk lines, etc… when needed.
Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis. Train and supervise crew in use.
Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators. Train and supervise crew in use.
Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings. Train and supervise crew in use.
With Field Supervisor and Assistant Crew Leader, supervise the construction of machine-built All-Persons-Trails (APTs)
Operate excavators, skid steers, and other machinery. AMC will provide paid time and pay for Crew Leaders to get MA hoisting license and provide on the job training in machine operation.
Work in and be prepared for nearly all-weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days. Ensure preparation of crew, prioritize safety of crew.
Work in as low impact a way as is possible. Revegetate impacted areas and worksites.
Foster a spirit of cooperation, safety, teamwork, and responsible stewardship
Plan menus and assist in the preparation of meals for the crew when necessary
Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of an emergency
Communicate regularly with Trails Program staff to obtain feedback and suggestions
Lead crew to perform proper daily and weekly tool and equipment maintenance
Along with Noble View Trails Facility Coordinator, act as a leader and role model at the Noble View Trails Facility and enforce all community guidelines to protect and respect others who share the space
Drive AMC passenger vehicles and pickup trucks to and from project sites
Professionally represent the AMC to the public and cooperating agencies. Maintain a neat and professional appearance as much as is possible given the circumstances.


Qualifications
What AMC Is Looking For

Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date, no exceptions
Ability and desire to live and work outdoors for extended periods of time
Ability to work under varying weather conditions
Ability to carry heavy loads (50+ lbs.) for long distances over rugged terrain
Commitment to backcountry stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics
Commitment to professionalism
Good judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills
In order to drive, must have safe driving record and practices, subject to verification through a driver's license history check.


Desired Skills

Leadership Experience
Trail Work experience and knowledge
Hand- and power-tool training and familiarity
Wilderness First Aid certification or higher


What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $22.00 - $23.00/hr, 40-45 hours/weeks

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.



Benefits

Room & Board: Dorm-style room for $45/week – meals included, too!
Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 hours per week
Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution
Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time depending on length of service
Other Team Member Perks:

o 30% discount on AMC Merchandise

o Free Annual AMC Membership

o 4 Free nights at AMC locations

o Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

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