White Mountain Trail Crew Leader (Fall)

This position runs August 18-Oct 31, 2025. Dates can be flexible, but preference is given to candidates who can work full season. 

AMC’s White Mountain Trail Crew is 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 region.  In 2025, the AMC will deploy 7 professional trail crews working on a variety of projects across northern New England, from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire to the North Woods of Maine and out to the Acadian coast. 

Each crew is comprised of a crew leader, an assistant crew leader, and 1-3 crew members depending on the needs of the individual projects. Crews work ten-hour days, and work four days on, three days off, Monday through Thursday, with rare exception. All travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. Crew Leaders may sometimes have additional responsibilities that take up to five hours per week, such as project reporting and logistics.   

2025’s work includes several large-scale projects on iconic trails like Old Bridle Path, Falling Waters, and the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.  At Jockey Cap climbing areas, we will build belay pads and steps with dimensional lumber. Another crew will be working assorted trails projects in Maine. Projects range in duration from five to nine weeks. On all of these projects, there are ample opportunities to master and learn trail work techniques in a variety of settings with a variety of tools.  Many projects will include backcountry camping during work weeks.    

Days off housing is provided at Camp Dodge or Echo Lake, and includes wifi, coin-op laundry, meals, and abundant trail access.  A $45 per week paycheck deduction covers all employee food including days off if you stay on campus. A wide variety of food is available and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.    

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

Crew Leaders are responsible for logistics, project specifications, morale, quality and quantity of work produced.  AMC is committed to supporting our crew leads with training, clear expectations, consistent communication, support of a work-life balance, and presence in the field.    

What You'll Be Doing At AMC

• Coordinate and support a crew of 4 trail crew members 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.  

• 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, order food, and a