AmeriCorps Member

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!

Through AMC AmeriCorps, sixteen quarter-time members (minimum 450 hours) will serve for 12 weeks from May-August. Housing and all food will be provided for days-on and days-off at no cost to the member. All tools, safety equipment, transportation, and group camping equipment are also provided. Full gear list will be provided prior to the season, AMC can provided assistance with gear if needed.  Members will be based at AMC’s Camp Dodge Trails Center in Gorham, NH.

AMC AmeriCorps members will operate in crews, typically made up of four crew members and one trained leader. Crews will complete a variety of trail and conservation projects throughout the Northeast, with a majority of work being done in the White Mountain National Forest. Projects can range from basic maintenance, to assisting with rock and timber construction projects. Some projects will be based in the backcountry and crews will be camping out for the week. Other projects will be more front country and the members will return to their base at the end of each day. Crews will be trained on all necessary technical trail skills as well as leadership development at the beginning of the season and will enhance their skills as the season progresses. Training will not exceed 20% of members total hours.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills directly related to recreational trail management and resource protection while gaining exposure to career opportunities with AMC’s federal, state, non-profit, and private partners.

Crew Members are expected to serve 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for approximately 40 hours per week. Members must camp with their crew, Monday through Thursday for the duration of the project season. This schedule may be modified due to weather, logistics, or other unforeseen circumstances.

What you’ll be doing at AMC

• Complete various conservation projects such as basic trail maintenance, rock work, tread hardening, corridor clearing, trail marking, etc.
• Adhere to safe and proper use of various tools and equipment
• Actively participate in daily safety discussions
• Participate in personal and professional development activities including team building, service learning, and workshops
• Adhere to AMC policies and procedures
• Be prepared each day with uniform, work boots, raingear, water bottles, daypack, lunch and snacks. A full gear list will be provided to members, some gear can be provided by AMC if needed.
• A ½ hr. lunch is required and does not count toward term hours
• Members must not participate in any prohibited activities as stated in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement
• Training will include AMC policies and procedures, Trail maintenance, Tool Safety and Use, Advanced Trail Skills (chainsaw, axe, rigging), Leadership Development, Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace Trainer Certification

What AMC is looking for

• Must be over 18 year old at the start date of the season
• Committed to completing the program in its entirety
• Ability to remain focused, alert, and productive in difficult working conditions and perform physical labor
• Must be dedicated AMC’s mission
• Team oriented, punctual, and dependable with a strong work ethic
• If selected, required to verify identity and United States residency
• Ability and desire to live and work in the backcountry for extended periods of time 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
• Physical Requirements: For the safety of other members and staff, applicants must have acceptable eyesight (including clear near and far vision, good depth perception), as well as adequate hearing to perform job function, strong communication skills to be clearly understood on the telephone and in public contacts, fine and gross motor skills and use of arms, hands, and fingers to perform computer duties and operate tools such as pick mattocks, sledgehammers, rakes, and shovels.
• Must be able to hike up to six miles carrying 50 lbs. in a 8-hour day, exert up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects, in addition to having the ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach frequently or constantly
• Have the ability to withstand exposure to variable weather conditions, noise, dust and airborne particles and exposure to ticks and poison ivy

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $3,000/season (paid in bi-weekly increments of $500)

We are committed to equitable 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

• Room & Board:  Free!

• AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion (valued at $1,824.07)
• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of Paid Time Off 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!

To Apply:

Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies 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.

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.