AmeriCorps Member

SUMMER DATES: MAY 29, 2023 – AUGUST 18, 2023

Through AMC AmeriCorps, twenty 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. Ful gear list will be provided prior to the season, AMC can provided assistance with gear if needed. AMC is hosting two residential AmeriCorps Programs in two different base locations with AmeriCorps members based at AMC’s Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell, MA, and members based at AMC’s Camp Dodge Trails Center in Gorham, NH.

AMC AmeriCorps crews will complete a variety of trail and conservation projects throughout the local area and communities, either in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. 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 frontcountry 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 10 hours/day, Monday through Thursday, for approximately 40 total 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. 

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.

What you’ll be doing: 

• 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, Leave No Trace Trainer Certification

What we are 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
   

Compensation and benefits:

• Salary Range: $3,000/season 
• Onsite housing + meals provided for free
• AmeriCorps Education Award Upon Completion ($1,824.07)
• 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.