Trail Programs Manager - Southern New England

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the United States. Our mission is simple yet powerful: foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. With a focus on protecting mountains, forests, waters, and trails throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, we envision a world where our natural resources are healthy, loved, and always protected, and where the outdoors occupies a place of central importance in every person’s life. 

This position helps advance AMC’s mission and the four strategic priorities of AMC’s All Out Action Plan: 

• Inspire joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences 

• Protect critical landscapes for the well-being of people and the outdoors 

• Cultivate and sustain a robust and welcoming community 

• Foster access to the outdoors

AMC’s Trail Program Manager – Southern New England manages AMC’s Professional Trail Crew operations in the region as well as the facility that serves as the program’s home base: Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell MA.

AMC ran 3 concurrent Professional Trail Crews out of Noble View from April to November of 2025, executing technical trails projects across the region including trail bridges and boardwalks, machine-built surfaced trail construction, backcountry trail construction and maintenance, stone and wood staircases and more. The Trail Program Manager is ultimately responsible for the program but they don’t do it alone. The SNE Pro Crews have two ten-month Field Supervisors who are charged with project planning and implementation, and every crew has a Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader leading the crew in the field. In 2025, the SNE Pro Crew had about 17 staff associated with the three crews and we anticipate similar scope and scale in 2026.

The Noble View facility has two “cottages,” which can cumulatively sleep 20-30 comfortably, that house the Trail Crew staff as well as a handful of other AMC Trails Seasonal staff associated with volunteer trail programming. Additionally, Noble View boasts a lovely network of trails, a dedicated volunteer base, campsites open to the public, a bathhouse, a barn and a toolshed on the 360 acre property. The view is indeed outstanding, looking down across an expansive landscape surrounding Westfield and Springfield MA.

The position is a mix of administrative and field work. The position, and its associated trails programs, is based at AMC’s Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA, and can work remotely during the winter months.  The Trail Program Manager- SNE works collaboratively within AMC’s Trails Team, with staff and programs based in New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, eastern Massachusetts and Boston, and more! Partners include AMC committees, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, US Forest Service, US Park Service, State Agencies, various land trusts, and other partners as needed.

What you’ll be doing at AMC

• Recruit, train, schedule, and support Professional Trail Crews comprised of 15+ seasonal employees which include Field Supervisors, Field Coordinators, Crew Leaders, Assistant Crew Leaders, and Crew Members.
• Recruit, train, and support Noble View Outdoor Center staff including a 9-month seasonal Facility Supervisor and several Camp Crew that support meal preparations, housekeeping, and grounds maintenance of the facility.
• Enforce established policies and guidelines to ensure safe and responsible leadership, site management, transportation, and crew life.
• Work with Federal, State, and other partners to prioritize and plan trail work projects, including trail planning and protection, critical level 1 maintenance, technical backcountry trail reconstruction, relocation projects requiring bridges as well as rock and wood structures, All Persons Trails, and more.
• Assist in the development of trail contracts and agreements, including cost estimates and trail assessments.
• Work closely with the Senior Trails Operations Manager on fundraising, grant writing, and program budget development.
• Maintain trail condition database and Noble View facility maintenance priority database.
• Collect reports and hours from crews and compile annual reports of work hours and accomplishments, including reports for State Parks, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, US Forest Service, US Park Service, and others.
• Develop and lead trainings for Professional Trail Crew members and volunteers across the Southern New England region.
• Prepare and present trails related programs and trainings to a wide range of audiences such as volunteer groups, land trust conferences, and agency partners.
• Serve on internal and external committees related to risk management, trail project collaboration, and recreation and Wilderness management.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Northeast and work some evenings and weekends.
• Other duties as assigned.

What AMC is looking for
 

• Bachelor’s degree with studies in Recreation, Natural Resources Management or other relevant disciplines is desirable.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of trail maintenance and construction, natural resource management, and outdoor programming, with previous supervisory and leadership experience. Experience can be in any combination of staff or volunteer roles.
• Excellent organizational skills that include the ability to handle many different projects simultaneously and find creative solutions to problems.
• Proven successful supervisory ability of seasonal employees.
• Proficiency in the use of computers with associated word processing, desktop publishing, database programs, and mapping.
• Works well with others from diverse backgrounds in a professional environment and can interact with the public and volunteers under sometimes challenging conditions
• Knowledge of and experience in a wide range of natural surface trail maintenance and construction techniques, including stonework, timber work, carpentry, rigging, and machine operation.
• Strong communication, motivation, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to creating equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant outdoor learning experiences.
• Commitment to creating equitable and inclusive environment for all of AMC’s guests, employees, and constituents.
• Must be capable of safely traveling alone in the backcountry long distances carrying loads in excess of 40 pounds during all seasons and weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history subject to a driving record check conducted by the AMC.
• Ability to perform and teach a variety of trail work activities. Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• 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 record check performed on their name.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $52,122 - $70,380

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Health Plan:  Generous employer contributions through Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts with optional vision and dental. 

• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability.

• Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort. 

• Retirement: 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule.

• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of Paid Time Off and up to 11 paid company holidays.

• Other Team Member Perks: 
  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise 
  • Free Annual AMC Membership
  • 10 Free nights at AMC locations
  • Educational Assistance
  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role. No phone calls or agencies, please.  

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.  

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