Green Mountain Club

Updates: Hiring!

Hiring:

The Green Mountain Club Long Trail Crew has 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 the trails' biggest, most technical, and most challenging projects!

The focus of the Long Trail Crew is to 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 stonework. Our crews build staircases, turnpike, bridges, waterbars, and stepping stones to name just a few examples. Green Mountain Club trail crews work hard, have fun, and forge a strong community. We seek to create a more welcoming trail crew culture unconstrained by tradition.
 

Crews consist of a Crew Lead, an Assistant Lead, and three or four Crew Members. Crews work Monday through Friday in the field in all weather. 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, personal protective equipment, tools, and some group equipment (stove, cook-ware, first-aid supplies). Communal day-off housing is available in Waterbury Center or Danby, 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. 

2022 Position Dates: 

Commitment to full season preferred
Full season: June 1-October 14
Summer: June 1-August 12
Fall: Mid August-October 14

Schedule: Monday - Friday, camping at work site Monday - Thursday nights

Compensation: $560/week, plus housing
Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid class provided, Retirement (403b) employer matching, eligible for prodeal discounts.

Crew Member Responsibilities:

• Complete trail maintenance and construction projects on hiking trails throughout Vermont as part of 4- or 5-person crew.

• Use trail tools in accordance with GMC safety protocol and comply with personal protective equipment requirements at all times.

• 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.

• Serve as a backcountry representative of the GMC in interactions with the public as well as through behavior and backcountry practices.

• Assist with Monday morning group cleaning of Back Forty.

Crew Member Qualifications

• Trail building and maintenance skills preferred (training provided during orientation)

• Experience with hand tools and basic power tools

• Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the workday

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well as a member of a small group

• Strong backcountry living skills

• Experience working in small groups on focused projects

• Friendly and professional attitude towards hiking public

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles preferred (training provided during orientation)

• Wilderness First Aid Certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)

• 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

The Green Mountain Club Long Trail Crew has 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 Assistant Leaders work closely with their Crew Lead throughout the work season to manage a productive and positive crew experience. Role models of dedication and sound judgment, Assistant Leaders 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 leadership who shares this goal.

The focus of the Long Trail Crew is to 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. Work may require power tools including impact drivers, rock drills, chainsaws, and brush cutters. Our crews build staircases, turnpike, bridges, waterbars, and stepping stones to name just a few examples.

Crews consist of a Crew Leader, an Assistant Leader, and three Crew Members. 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, cook-ware, first-aid supplies). Communal day-off housing is available in Waterbury Center or Danby, 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.

2022 Position Dates:
Commitment to full season preferred. Some start date flexibility may be allowed.

Full season: May 25-October 14
Summer: May 25-August 12
Fall: Mid August-October 14

Schedule: Monday - Friday, camping at work site Monday - Thursday nights

Compensation: $680/week, plus housing

Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid Class provided, Retirement (403b) employer matching, eligible for prodeal discounts. Assistant Leads may have opportunity for other trainings including Chainsaw, Crosscut, Rigging for stone work.

Crew Assistant Leader Responsibilities:

• Assistant Leader in leading a 3-4 crew members on trail construction and maintenance projects.

• Collaborate in setting weekly work schedules to efficiently complete project goals.

• Assist in completing 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 protocol 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 US Forest Service and Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation.

• Assist with Monday morning group cleaning of Back Forty.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Crew Assistant Leader Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License required

• Wilderness First Aid certification required (class available free-of-charge during training); WFR preferred (re-certification available free-of-charge during training)

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)

• Experience with trail building tools and basic power tools

• Minimum one season of trail work experience

• 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

• 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

The Green Mountain Club Long Trail Crew has 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 Leaders work closely with the Field Supervisor and Field 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 judgement, Crew Leaders 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 Leaders who share this goal.

The focus of the Long Trail Crew is to 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. Work may require power tools including impact drivers, rock drills, chainsaws, and brush cutters. Our crews build staircases, turnpike, bridges, waterbars, and stepping stones to name just a few examples.

Crews consist of a Crew Leader, an Assistant Leader, and three Crew Members. 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, cook-ware, first-aid supplies). Communal day-off housing is available in Waterbury Center or Danby, 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.

Position dates: May 2-October 21
Commitment to full season required for Crew Leads. Some start/end date flexibility may be allowed.

Schedule: Monday - Friday, camping at work site Monday - Thursday nights

Compensation: $720 / week, plus housing 

Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid Class provided, Retirement (403b) employer matching, eligible for prodeal discounts. Leads may have opportunity for other trainings including Chainsaw, Crosscut, Rigging for stone work.

Crew Leader Responsibilities:

• Lead Assistant Leader and 3-4 crew members on trail construction and maintenance projects.

• Work with Field Supervisor and Field 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 protocol 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 US Forest Service and Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation.

• Assist with Monday morning group cleaning of Back Forty.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Crew Leader Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License required

• Wilderness First Aid certification required (class available free-of-charge during training); WFR preferred (re-certification available free-of-charge during training)

• 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

This position begins as soon as employee is able to begin work. Remote work may be possible at start of employment.

Green Mountain Club field staff are supported by two Field Supervisors; one supporting trail crews, and the other supporting the Backcountry Caretaker program. The Field Supervisors are critical to the annual success of the GMC Field Program, serving as the bridge between year-round staff at the GMC headquarters and the seasonal field staff implementing projects on the trail.

The Field Supervisor will supervise two professional Long Trail Crews (LTC) and one Volunteer Long Trail Crew (VLTC). Trail projects are almost entirely backcountry-based, most spanning multiple work weeks and sometimes spanning multiple seasons. LTC projects frequently involve technical rock work, along with new tread construction and some carpentry projects. VLTC projects vary year-to-year while being suited for volunteer crews.

The Trail Crew Field Supervisor will work closely with the Director of Field Programs, Field Coordinator, and seasonal Crew Leads to scout and plan work projects in late spring, and to handle project logistics throughout the season. The Field Supervisor ensures a fluid field season through facility and gear management, training, supervision, and trail management and logistical support of caretakers and crews. 

The Trail Crew Field Supervisor should bring a depth of experience in trail construction, crew management, seasonal staff supervision, backpacking, and backcountry living. 

We seek to create a more welcoming trail crew culture unconstrained by tradition, and seek a Supervisor who shares this goal.

Location:

The Trail Crew Field Supervisor is based out of GMC headquarters in Waterbury Center, VT. This position will require frequent travel to visit crews in the field, including overnight trips.

Position Dates: Hiring ASAP

Trail Crew Field Supervisor will start work as soon as possible in order to become acquainted with upcoming projects, begin planning for the 2022 season, and assist with seasonal hiring. Position will run until November.

Schedule: Monday-Friday. Infrequent weekend work may be required.

Compensation: $775/week. 

Benefits: Employer matching retirement account (403b), WFA class provided, Field Supervisors will have opportunity for other trainings (Chainsaw, crosscut)

Trail Crew Field Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Trail management and logistical support 

  • Assist with staff hiring as needed 

  • Review and file Crew Lead reports and complete mid-season and end-of-year reporting 

  • Support crews through advance materials planning, acquisition, and delivery for work projects, and general site work 

  • Ensure crews are prepared for pack-in and pack-outs, complete all project reporting paperwork, compile project photographs, and attend to any other logistical and administrative needs 

• Supervision 

  • Conduct project visits with Leads to ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the scope, design, and reporting requirements of each project they are assigned. 

  • Ensure seasonal field staff remain on set project scheduling timelines 

  • Visit crews regularly to ensure project progress and quality, support personnel needs, and provide constructive feedback to leads and crew to build broad based skills in seasonal employees

  • Work with field leads to ensure healthy moral, work-life balance, realistic expectations, and support their supervision of their crew members

• Facility and Gear Management 

  • Maintain an inventory of sharp, handled, ready to work tools, small engine equipment, and camping gear to support trail crews 

  • Serve as the main bridge of communication between seasonal field staff and year-round GMC staff and partners regarding day-off housing use, maintenance, and logistics

• Training 

  • Work with Field Programs staff to prepare an enhanced field staff training 

  • Identify and develop additional workshops/content that we are currently lacking

  • Prepare and implement training workshops and materials 

• General GMC Field Program Support 

  • Attend weekly field program meetings with Field Program leadership staff.

  • Coordinate with GMC Field Program office staff on all aspects of the field program implementation 

  • Communicate with agency partners as needed about field projects and staff housing. 

  • Support volunteers and service groups on an as-needed basis 

  • All other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Valid Driver's License 

• Wilderness First Aid certification required (class available free-of-charge during training); WFR preferred (recertification available free-of-charge during training)

• Extensive trail building and maintenance skills. experience with trail building tools 

• Experience in leadership positions, preferably in trail crew or outdoor education 

• Comfort and experience instructing others in diverse work environments 

• Strong backcountry living skills, including cooking and waste management 

• 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 

• Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the work day

• Experience working with agency and project partners 

• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with little supervision 

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics 

• Basic knowledge of Long Trail/Appalachian Trail system 

• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups 

• Environmental and/or outdoor education experience 

Green Mountain Club Backcountry Caretakers are multi-talented stewards of the Long Trail system! Caretakers live on-trail four nights a week, stationed at Long Trail overnight campsites. As a Caretaker, your duties are divided between trail maintenance and hiker education. Caretakers are NOT rangers; you'll employ friendly education and stewardship techniques at the Green Mountains' most popular hiking areas in order to encourage safe, low-impact hiking practices and to protect the trail. 

Trail Maintenance:

Caretakers are generally responsible for maintaining 10-20 miles of trail: repairing drainage structures, cutting blowdowns, and repainting signs and blazes. You will also maintain the shelters, privies, and trail structures within your range.

Hiker Education:

At your assigned summit or pond, you will engage the hiking public in conversations about low-impact hiking practices and about the fragile natural areas which support many rare and endangered species. Our goal is to facilitate a positive experience on trail for all hikers, while protecting the resource of the trail itself. 

All caretaker positions require the ability to work independently, desire to educate the public, and drive to do gritty behind-the-scenes work (including privies)! All caretakers must be comfortable spending 4 nights per week camping in a tent, sometimes alone and sometimes sharing campsites with the public. Caretakers are responsible for their own food and transportation to/from the trailhead and days off. Green Mountain Club provides tents or shelters, stoves, stove fuel, tools, field guides, maps, and informational resources. Communal day-off housing is available in Waterbury Center and Danby, VT.

Locations:

Southern Vermont:
Caretakers in Southern Vermont work on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail within the Green Mountain National Forest. Three Caretakers are assigned to popular backcountry sites (Little Rock Pond, Griffith Lake, Stratton Pond). We also employ one Coolidge Range Ridgerunner who maintains ~30 miles of trail and six shelters in the Killington Peak area. Southern Caretakers are directly supervised by a Lead Caretaker and Field Supervisor.

Northern Vermont:
Caretakers in Northern Vermont are stationed on peaks which feature fragile alpine ecosystems. Northern caretakers spend about half their time in the alpine zone, encouraging responsible visitation. Most northern caretakers are each assigned to Camel's Hump or Mount Mansfield, plus one at Sterling Pond and another on Mt. Abraham. Northern Caretakers are supervised by a Lead Caretaker and/or Field Supervisor.

2022 Position Dates:
Commitment to full season preferred.
Full Season: June 1 - October 14
Summer: June 1 - August 12
Fall: Mid August - October 14

Schedule: Five days per week, typically including weekends. Camping on-site required four nights per week. Regular weekly schedule assigned at start of season.
Compensation: $560/week, plus housing.
Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid class included with training, Retirement (403b) matching, eligible for pro deal gear discounts.

Backcountry Caretaker Responsibilities:

• Educate hikers about fragile ecosystems at high-use sites along the Long Trail.

• Maintain assigned backcountry facilities. 

• Regularly maintain assigned composting and pit outhouses.

• Maintain 10 - 20 miles of hiking trail using hand tools.

• Staff designated overnight site four nights per week, including collecting use fees and acting as knowledge resource for campers.

• Collect visitor use data at overnight site and at pond or summit.

• Submit weekly shift reports and group use feedback forms.

• Write formal End of Season report if leaving in October or informal mid-season report if leaving in August.

• Encourage and model Leave No Trace practices and low impact behaviors on trails and at summits, ponds, camping areas, and backcountry shelters.

• Serve as professional backcountry representative of the GMC, both as knowledge source and as behavioral role model.

• Carry first aid kit and sufficient supplies to travel safely in the backcountry at all times.

• Voluntarily participate in Search and Rescue operations.

• Assist with weekly cleaning of staff housing.

Backcountry Caretaker Qualifications:

• Strong backpacking and outdoor skills

• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with little supervision

• Comfort working multiple days outdoors in sometimes adverse weather conditions

• Comfort with basic hand tools (trail maintenance training provided during orientation)

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)

• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups

• Environmental and/or outdoor education experience preferred

• Basic knowledge of Long Trail/Appalachian Trail system

• Wilderness First Aid certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays, these are the busiest days on trail!

• 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

(Please read Backcountry Caretaker position description as well). 

As a Backcountry Lead Caretaker, your are responsible for supervising a crew of caretakers either in Southern Vermont or on Mt. Mansfield or Camel's Hump.

Duties are divided between trail maintenance, hiker education, developing crew skills, managing crew schedules, tool needs, ongoing projects, and more. Caretakers are NOT rangers; you'll teach and employ friendly education and stewardship techniques at the Green Mountains' most popular hiking areas in order to encourage safe, low-impact hiking practices and to protect the trail. 

Trail Maintenance:

Lead Caretakers will oversee, teach, and perform trail maintenance in their range. This work will include repairing drainage structures, cutting blowdowns, installing puncheon, and repainting signs and blazes. You will also maintain the shelters, privies, and trail structures within your range. Leads will become well-versed in backcountry waste management and provide oversight of the operation of composting outhouses on their mountain.

Hiker Education:

Leads will teach and model positive hiker education about low-impact hiking practices and about fragile natural areas which support many rare and endangered species. Leads will promote an approach to education which is catered to each hiker and which relies on the authority of the resource, not the threat of punishment. 

Lead Caretakers must be able to work independently and with a group, with the public and behind-the scenes,

All caretakers must be comfortable spending 4 nights per week camping in a tent, sometimes alone and sometimes sharing campsites with the public. Caretakers are responsible for their own food and transportation to/from the trailhead and days off. Green Mountain Club provides tents or shelters, stoves, stove fuel, tools, field guides, maps, and informational resources. Communal day-off housing is available in Waterbury Center and Danby, VT.

Locations:

Southern Vermont:
One Lead Caretaker will work in Southern Vermont work on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail within the Green Mountain National Forest. They will supervise three Caretakers (Little Rock Pond, Griffith Lake, Stratton Pond), and one Coolidge Range Ridgerunner who maintains ~30 miles of trail and six shelters in the Killington Peak area. Lead Caretakers will generally spend nights at GMC-provided housing in Danby, but will camp overnight at caretaker sites, non-staffed sites, and in the backcountry as necessary. 

The Southern Lead Caretaker is supervised by the Caretaker Field Supervisor and Field Programs Coordinator.

Northern Vermont:
Two Lead Caretakers are based in Northern Vermont. Mt. Mansfield and Camel's Hump are both busy peaks which feature fragile alpine ecosystems. The Lead Caretakers for each of these mountains will supervise crews of 2-4 Caretakers. Northern Lead Caretakers spend about half their time in the alpine zone, encouraging responsible visitation, and half performing maintenance work, planning, and administrative work. Northern Leads spend 4 nights per week in the field, split between a state-owned cabin and overnight shelters on their mountains. Northern Leads are supervised by the Caretaker Field Supervisor and Field Programs Coordinator.

2022 Position Dates:
Commitment to full season strongly preferred. Some start/end date flexibility may be discussed.
Full Season: May 2 - October 14
Summer: May 2 - August 12
Fall: Mid August - October 14

Schedule: Five days per week, typically including weekends. Camping on-site required four nights per week. Regular weekly schedule assigned at start of season.
Compensation: $720/week, plus housing.
Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid class included with training, Retirement (403b) matching, eligible for pro deal gear discounts. Leads may have the opportunity for further trainings such as chainsaw or crosscut certification.

Lead Backcountry Caretaker Responsibilities:

• Oversee and support a crew of caretakers in their regular duties.

• Oversee maintenance of backcountry facilities, including privies.

• Directly coordinate and assist with maintenance of hiking trails using hand tools. 

• Compile and submit weekly use data from caretakers

• Coordinate weekly schedules for crew, including group work projects.

• Coordinate communication with and among crew, via cell phone and/or radio.

• Develop healthy and supportive working relationships with and between crew.

• Maintain high standards of work and safety in a range of weather conditions.

• Educate hikers about fragile ecosystems at high-use sites along the Long Trail.

• Coordinate acquisition of supplies with crew and Field Supervisor.

• Staff overnight sites as needed, including collecting use fees and acting as knowledge resource for campers.

• Write formal End of Season report if leaving in October or informal mid-season report if leaving in August.

• Encourage and model Leave No Trace practices and low impact behaviors on trails and at summits, ponds, camping areas, and backcountry shelters.

• Serve as professional backcountry representative of the GMC, both as knowledge source and as behavioral role model.

• Carry first aid kit and sufficient supplies to travel safely in the backcountry at all times.

• Voluntarily participate in Search and Rescue operations.

• Assist with weekly cleaning of staff housing.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Lead Backcountry Caretaker Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license required

• Strong backpacking and outdoor skills

• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with little supervision

• Comfort working multiple days outdoors in sometimes adverse weather conditions

• Comfort with basic hand tools (trail maintenance training provided during orientation)

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)

• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups

• Environmental and/or outdoor education experience preferred

• Basic knowledge of Long Trail/Appalachian Trail system

• Wilderness First Aid certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays, these are the busiest days on trail!

• 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

Since building Taft Lodge on Mt. Mansfield in 1920, GMC staff and volunteers have been hard at work building and maintaining the dozens of overnight shelters, tenting areas, privies, and informational signs of the Long Trail. GMC runs a specialized crew, the Backcountry Construction Crew, to focus on those unique and challenging projects.

The Construction Crew consists of the Crew Coordinator, an Assistant Leader, and two Crewmembers. Crews work Monday through Friday in the field in most weather. For backcountry projects, crews camp near their work sites Monday through Thursday nights and share a communal camp kitchen, as well as camp chores.

BCC projects range from the construction of new moldering outhouses, to much-needed shelter repairs, to construction of new overnight shelters. Work may include replacing or repairing roofs, replacing footings or joists, and constructing via timberframe and conventional framing. Pre-fabrication of materials is done at the GMC tool barn when appropriate. Some projects may take place in federal Wilderness Areas, where only hand tools may be used.

Most work sites cannot be driven to, and supplies must be transported the remaining distance via hiking trails, snowmobile trails, and the like. Material is transported via hiking, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter airlifts, or a combination of methods.

Communal housing is available for days off as well as during projects which do not require camping. GMC provides tools, personal protective equipment, some group camping equipment (stove, fuel, first-aid supplies, water filters), and vehicles for transportation to the work site. Crew members provide their own personal camping gear and food.

Locations: The BCC works all over the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail in Vermont, and their side trails. Crews may spend a single week at a location for a smaller project, and return to other locations for many weeks on larger projects.

2022 Position Dates: Commitment to full season preferred. Some end date flexibility may be allowed. 

Full Season: June 1-October 14
Summer: June 1-August 12
Fall: Mid August-October 14

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday or Monday-Thursday

Compensation: $560/week, plus housing
Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid Class provided, Retirement (403b) employer matching, eligible for prodeal discounts.
Supervisor: BCC Coordinator, BCC Assistant Leader

Construction Crew Member Responsibilities:

• Complete trail maintenance and construction projects on hiking trails throughout Vermont as part of 3- or 4-person crew.

• Use trail tools and construction tools in accordance with GMC safety protocol and comply with personal protective equipment requirements at all times.

• Perform weekly cleaning and maintenance of all tools and camp gear.

• Share equal responsibilities in camp duties such as cooking, cleaning, and food storage.

• Maintain high standards of work in a wide range of weather 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.

• Act as GMC on-site liaison with agency partners, including the US Forest Service and Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation.

• Assist with weekly cleaning of GMC staff housing.

Construction Crew Member Qualifications:

• Experience with hand tools and basic power tools preferred

• Experience in trail building preferred

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well as a member of a small group

• Strong backcountry living skills

• Experience working in small groups on focused projects

• Friendly and professional attitude towards hiking public

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles preferred (training provided during orientation)

• Wilderness First Aid Certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)

• 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

Since building Taft Lodge on Mt. Mansfield in 1920, GMC staff and volunteers have been hard at work building and maintaining the dozens of overnight shelters, tenting areas, privies, and informational signs of the Long Trail. GMC runs a specialized crew, the Backcountry Construction Crew, to focus on those unique and challenging projects.

The Construction Crew consists of the Crew Coordinator, an Assistant Leader, and two crewmembers. Crews work Monday through Friday in the field in most weather. For backcountry projects, crews camp near their work sites Monday through Thursday nights and share a communal camp kitchen, as well as camp chores.

BCC projects range from the construction of new moldering outhouses, to much-needed shelter repairs, to construction of new overnight shelters. Work may include replacing or repairing roofs, replacing footings or joists, and constructing via timberframe and conventional framing. Pre-fabrication of materials is done at the GMC tool barn when appropriate. Some projects may take place in federal Wilderness Areas, where only hand tools may be used.

The BCC Assistant Lead will assist the BCC Coordinator in managing the completion of work projects. At times when the Coordinator is not on site, the Assistant Lead will be responsible for maintaining a safe and productive worksite and ensuring work is efficient and achieves GMC standards.

Most work sites cannot be driven to, and supplies must be transported the remaining distance via hiking trails, snowmobile trails, and the like. Material is transported via hiking, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter airlifts, or a combination of methods.

Communal housing is available for days off as well as during projects which do not require camping. GMC provides tools, personal protective equipment, some group camping equipment (stove, fuel, first-aid supplies, water filters), and vehicles for transportation to the work site. Crew members provide their own personal camping gear and food.

Locations:
The BCC works all over the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail in Vermont, and their side trails. Crews may spend a single week at a location for a smaller project, and return to other locations for many weeks on larger projects.

2022 Position Dates: Some start and end date flexibility may be allowed.
Commitment to full season preferred.
Full Season: May 25-October 14
Summer: May 25-August 12
Fall: Mid August-October 14

Schedule: 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday or Monday-Thursday

Compensation: $680/week, plus housing
Benefits: Housing provided, Wilderness First Aid Class provided, Retirement (403b) employer matching, eligible for prodeal discounts. Assistant Leads may have opportunities for other trainings including chainsaw, crosscut, and rigging systems. 

Supervisor: Backcountry Construction Crew Coordinator

Construction Crew Assistant Lead Responsibilities:

• Complete trail maintenance and construction projects on hiking trails throughout Vermont as part of 3- or 4-person crew.

• Assist BCC Coordinator with training of crewmembers.

• Lead BCC projects when Coordinator is not on site

• Assist Coordinator in documenting work project progress and outcomes.

• Help develop healthy working relationships with and among crew.

• Use trail tools and construction tools in accordance with GMC safety protocol and comply with personal protective equipment requirements at all times.

• Perform weekly cleaning and maintenance of all tools and camp gear.

• Share equal responsibilities in camp duties such as cooking, cleaning, and food storage.

• Maintain high standards of work in a wide range of weather 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.

• Serve as a backcountry representative of the GMC in interactions with the public as well as through behavior and backcountry practices.

• Act as GMC on-site liaison with agency partners, including the US Forest Service and Vermont Forest, Parks, and Recreation.

• Assist with weekly cleaning of GMC staff housing.

Construction Crew Assistant Lead Qualifications:

• Valid Driver's License required

• Experience with hand tools and basic power tools

• More extensive carpentry experience preferred

• Experience in trail building preferred

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well as a member of a small group

• Strong backcountry living skills

• Experience working in small groups on focused projects

• Friendly and professional attitude towards hiking public

• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles preferred (training provided during orientation)

• Wilderness First Aid Certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)

• 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

Additional Information About Green Mountain Club

The mission of the Green Mountain Club is to make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System and fostering, through education, the stewardship of Vermont’s hiking trails and mountains.

To apply for this position and see other GMC positions, visit www.greenmountainclub.org/seasonal.