Contact Name: Joe Roman
Company/Organization/Agency: Appalachian Mountain Club
Address: 10 CITY SQ, Ste 2, CHARLESTOWN, MA 02129 United States
Email Address: jroman@outdoors.org
Job Title: AT Ridgerunner (Southern New England)
Job Description: AMC Ridgerunners function in a vital management and public resource role on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts. Our goal is facilitate hikers of all experiences and backgrounds to make sure they are oriented to local amenities and regulations. Ridgerunners live on the trail throughout the summer, in five to ten-day shifts, hiking up to 15 miles per day and camping in designated areas along the way. While interacting with over 5,000 trail users annually; they inform on Leave No Trace principles, trail conditions, safety, area regulations, flora/fauna, backpacking techniques, history, and management practices. Ridgerunners gather and report important information such as maintenance concerns, visitor use patterns and environmental monitoring. They are the eyes and ears of the AT and an important public face of the AMC.
Ridgerunners work up to ten consecutive days on in the field with four days off, and weekend work is required. Duties include backpacking, public engagement, accurate collection of data, reporting, trail maintenance, educating Leave No Trace among other topics, and participation in volunteer trail work parties. The position is from early June to early September with some positions ending in early October. Ridge Runners are a seasonal, non-exempt, hourly position reporting to the Ridgerunner Coordinator and the AMC Campsite Program Manager. Days off housing is provided as needed.
What you’ll be doing:
Backpack or day hike (depending on assigned route) up to 15 miles per day for up to 10 days. Camping in specified, designated areas.
Engage, educate and communicate with as many backcountry visitors as possible, providing and gathering trail information while promoting sustainable outdoor ethics.
Lead Leave No Trace awareness workshops and trainer courses for the public and volunteers, as needed.
Assist with light trail maintenance including independent drainage and trail corridor clearing as well as participating in trail work parties with volunteers as needed.
Foster professional relationships with local officials, AMC volunteers and numerous partner organizations.
Report trail conditions, visitor interactions, environmental factors and general backcountry use information.
Assist as a backcountry steward by packing out litter and providing general maintenance of privies, water access points and established campsites.
Serve as a resource and first responder, helping and communicating any injuries or first aid.
Other duties related to the care of the Appalachian Trail, as needed.
What we are looking for:
Extensive backpacking experience, required.
Solo backpacking experience, required
Willingness to work long hours independently, frequently in isolated areas, required.
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, required.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Responder certifications, desired (WFA/CPR provided by AMC during training at no-cost).
Excellent communication skills.
Strong desire and ability to work with the public.
Ability to work unsupervised, independently making professional decisions and taking initiative.
Physically able to travel safely in the backcountry in all weather conditions carrying up to 50 lbs. of gear.
High School diploma, GED required.
Background in environmental sciences, natural resources or education, preferred.
Strong interest in backcountry management, desirable.
Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, helpful.
Knowledge of local flora, fauna and history, helpful.
Ability to understand and speak a second language, helpful.
Compensation and benefits:
Salary Range: $15.00-$16.00/ hour
Onsite housing + meals are provided
Free use of AMC Destinations: 4 nights per year
Free annual AMC membership
Health Plan with Optional Vision + Dental Insurance when working 30+ hours per week for 6+ months
Matching 403(b): 4% with vesting schedule
Paid Sick Time: eligible to accrue up to 10 days
To Apply:
Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls please.
AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.
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.
Job Start Date: 5/22/2023
Application Deadline: 4/21/2023
Additional Information: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=69509&clientkey=BBCC05572F3551CD7692FCADEA3B8414