Southern New England Trail Crew Member

The Appalachian Mountain Club is hiring Trail Crew Members for the Southern New England Trail Crew, based in Russell, MA, from May 18 to Oct 30, 2026. Positions are available for both experienced and new workers, offering a salary of $16.00-19.00 per hour for 40 hours a week. Crew members will participate in trail construction and maintenance, with options for housing and food provided at Noble View Outdoor Center.
DESCRIPTION


Dates: May 18– Oct 30, 2026


Location: Noble View Outdoor Center, Russell, MA


Supervisor: Trail Programs Manager—Southern New England


Salary range: $16.00-19.00 Hourly, 40 hours/week


Experience is welcome, but not necessary! AMC’s Professional Trail Crew has Crew Member positions available for new and seasoned trail workers, with hourly wages commensurate with experience. Employees can opt in to housing and food seven days a week at Noble View for $75 per week. A wide variety of food is available, and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.


Season dates are May 18– Oct 30, 2026. Preference given for employees who can work the full season, but short season employment is available for Summer (May 18-Aug 13) and Fall (Aug 17-Oct 30).


New Crew Members benefit from experienced trail workers providing leadership, training, guidance, and mentorship. Field Supervisors and Coordinators plan and lead the technical project work, while Crew Leaders and Assistant Crew Leaders supervise and guide the crew in the implementation. Returning and experienced Crew Members are paid at a higher rate and are expected to provide peer mentorship.


No two trail projects are the same; some work expected in 2026 includes: constructing technical rock structures to make the trail more durable, using hand tools to shape a new trail alignment from the woods, operating machinery to build surfaced All-Persons Trails, and building bridges and boardwalks to keep hikers above the water.


Trail crew works ten-hour days, most often Monday through Thursday with a three-day weekend. For projects further afield, crews work eight-day “hitches” with six days off. Most projects include camping on site for days on, both backcountry camping and car camping. All work stints, either four or eight days, begin and end at an AMC base, almost always Noble View. Crews usually work in four or five-person teams, but smaller and larger teams are possible.


Work trucks get the crew to and from project work; all travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. AMC provides tents and camp kitchen equipment; employees provide their own packs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, clothes and personal gear. AMC staff can help find loaner gear to start for people new to the work.


What you’ll be doing at AMC:



Participate in all aspects of the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls.
Safely and effectively use machinery including power wheelbarrows and plate compactors with training and supervision.
Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis with training and supervision.
Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators with training and supervision.
Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings with training and supervision.
Hike to and from project sites over rugged backcountry terrain, carrying tools and equipment.
Work in and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days.
Work in as low-impact a way as is possible. Revegetate impacted areas and worksites.
Assist with backcountry camp chores; cooking, cleaning, proper food storage, etc.
Whenever possible, contribute to the crew with a positive mental attitude.
Professionally represent the AMC to the public and cooperating agencies. Maintain a neat and professional appearance as much as is possible given the circumstances.

QUALIFICATIONSWhat AMC is looking for:



Must be a minimum of 18 years old by start date, no exceptions.
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 (not a position requirement), must have safe driving record and practices, subject to verification through a driver’s license history check.

What AMC Can Offer You


Salary range: $16.00- $19.00 Hourly, 40 hours/week


We are committed to fair compensation practices… [abbreviated for schema, but full in original]


Benefits



Room & Board: Bunkhouse housing for FREE – subsidized meals
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: 30% discount on AMC Merchandise, Free Annual AMC Membership, 4 Free nights at AMC locations, Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!