Title: AMC Bay Circuit Trail Crew Leader
Location: Based in Boston, MA with field work across Eastern MA-Bay Circuit Trail
Supervision: Southern New England Trails Supervisor
Job Dates: 5/31/20 – 8/13/20
Wages: $15/hour
Hiring Timeline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting in January.
Summary Description:
AMC’s Bay Circuit Trail (BCT) Crew Leader is a three-month, seasonal field staff position with the AMC’s Trails Department, averaging 40-50 hours/week. AMC is hiring two Crew Leaders to work as a team on trail projects, occasionally leading Teen and Adult Volunteers as well.
The Crew Leader position is an excellent development opportunity for individuals who are interested in conservation and working in the outdoors with energetic volunteers, as well as youth. AMC’s BCT program makes trails and natural places more accessible and enjoyable for millions of people in the suburban/urban communities around Boston. Prior trail work experience is not required, as Crew Leaders receive substantial mentorship and training in trail work skills and leadership. Leaders work together to teach volunteer participants trail maintenance and construction, such as installing drainages, building bog bridges/boardwalks, and blazing and standardizing trails. Our priority is leading volunteers through an experience that is challenging, fun, and positive. With all groups, Leaders emphasize safety, maintain a high level of morale and work standards, and facilitate proper outdoor skills associated with low impact methods.
Work schedules are variable, though most weeks are Monday-Friday, 40 hours/week with evenings free and occasional weekend work required. Crew leaders will work one weeklong overnight teen trail crews based at a frontcountry campground with showers and electricity (Sun-Fri, 50 hour work week). Crew Leaders are responsible for volunteer supervision in the field at all times.
When working with day project Volunteer Crews, everyone will meet and depart from our office in Charlestown. On days without scheduled volunteer day programs; crew leaders perform independent trail monitoring, basic maintenance, continue ongoing projects or maintaining the gear shed in Sudbury.
Crew Leaders are responsible for securing their own housing, meals (except when leading overnight crew), and reliable transportation for travel to daily meetup locations, ideally a personal vehicle. Work mileage in personal vehicles is reimbursed. When needed, Crew Leaders will be required to meet at the office in Charlestown, which is accessible by public transportation, to drive a 15-passenger van to and from the work site with the Volunteers.
The AMC is a member of the 21 Century Conservation Corps and is a proud partner of The Corps Network. The Corps Network is the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps. The AMC is one of 130 Corps across the country that provides young adults and veterans the opportunity to serve our country through projects on public lands and in rural and urban communities.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise and train Volunteers using the AMC van to pick them up from a Charlestown office and return them at the end of the day, as needed.
- Help prepare Youth Volunteers for their futures by organizing and conducting workshop in interview skills, resume building, and other job readiness skills.
- Communicate decisions and group management techniques with co-Leader.
- Foster a spirit of cooperation, safety, teamwork, responsible stewardship, and fun.
- Communicate regularly with Trails Program Supervisor and Projects Coordinator.
- Assist other BCT staff with ongoing projects on days when not with Volunteers.
- Assist with regular maintenance of tools and gear.
- Attend 2-week summer Crew Leader training at Noble View in Massachusetts.
Qualifications:
- Desire to learn and develop skills relating to leadership and sustainable trail work, with the intent to perform trail work skills independently and teach unskilled volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to motivate others and clearly communicate under challenging conditions.
- Physically able to travel safely on foot in all weather conditions on unimproved trails carrying up to 40 lbs of gear.
- Commitment to natural resource protection and a passion for volunteerism.
- Experience or desire to work with teenage youth.
- Must be at least 18 years of age (21+ years of age preferred) and hold a valid driver’s license and clear driving record required (driving record check will be performed).
- Clear criminal background check (performed by AMC Human Resources Dept.).
- Must have a personal vehicle to be used occasionally to meet at work site on days without crews, mileage to be reimbursed by AMC.
Benefits:
- AMC Membership
- 30% Staff discount on AMC retail products
- 4 Free Nights per year at AMC Huts, Lodges, and other facilities while employed
- Ability to obtain Wilderness First Aid Certification
- Opportunity to work outdoors
- Extensive trail work and conservation experience
Questions and additional Information:
Aaron North
AMC Southern New England Trails Supervisor
The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.
The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies and procedures. Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Join us!