Ready to dive into epic outdoor adventures and make a positive impact on the environment? Look no further than the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) - the oldest conservation, education, and recreation organization in the USA! Our passion for the outdoors knows no bounds, and we want YOU to be a part of it. As an employee, you'll unlock access to exciting programs, policies, and procedures that empower you to make a real difference. Join the AMC team now and embark on the journey of a lifetime!
AMC RidgeRunners function in a vital management and public resource role on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts. RidgeRunners live on the trail throughout the summer, in ten-day shifts, hiking up to 15 miles per day and camping in designated areas along the way. While interacting with over 3,000 trail users annually; their primary role is education and engagement. Ridge Runners inform the public on Leave No Trace principles, trail conditions, safety, area regulations, flora/fauna, backpacking techniques, history, and local 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. RidgeRunning is more than a job, it is an experience. The person who sets off on the trail in May will not be the same person who leaves at the end of their season.
RidgeRunners work up to ten consecutive days on in the field with four days off (Mon-Thurs), 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. Stintly check ins occur in person with Ridge Runner Coordinator who will also resupply caretaker during 10 day stint as needed. The position is from mid-May to early September and is a seasonal, non-exempt, hourly position reporting to the AMC Regional Trails Supervisor at Noble View in Russell, MA. This particular position will be based out of Greenagers (Days off housing) in South Egremont, MA. Responsible for all 50 miles of AT and 10 miles into Southern MA.
What you’ll be doing at AMC
- 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 as an example, in hiking practices and etiquette.
- 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, trails, water access points and established campsites.
- Serve as a resource and first responder, helping and communicating any injuries or first aid.
