Southern New England Trail Crew Leader

Dates: April 6 through Oct 30, 2026

Location: Noble View Outdoor Center, Russell, MA

AMC’s Professional Trail Crew is looking for Crew Leaders (CLs) for the 2026 season. The CL leads a crew, usually four or five people, in the execution of trail work projects. CLs are responsible for logistics, morale, quality and quantity of work produced. CLs are supported by Field Supervisors and Coordinators who manage project specifications and lead technical work on large-scale projects. AMC is committed to supporting our crew leads with training, clear expectations, consistent communication, support of a work-life balance, and presence in the field.

Season dates are April 6– Oct 30, 2026. During leadership season from April 6-May14, ACLs, Crew Leaders, and Supervisors receive: 40 hours of training in leadership, policies and procedures; a two-day chainsaw training; a two-day rigging training; and Wilderness First Aid training. Then, they work on projects with crews comprised of leaders to get ready for the full season. From May 18 through October 30, leaders are joined by crew members as the field season kicks off.

Employees can opt in to housing and food seven days a week at Noble View for $75 per week. A wide variety of food is available, and all dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

No two trail projects are the same; some work expected in 2026 includes: machine-built All Persons Trails, technical bridges and boardwalks, and natural surface trail work on public land throughout Massachusetts.

Trail crew works ten-hour days, often Monday through Thursday with a three-day weekend. For projects further afield, crews work eight-day “hitches” with six days off. Most projects include camping on site for days on, both backcountry camping and car camping. All work stints, either four or eight days, begin and end at an AMC base, almost always Noble View. Crews usually work in four or five-person teams, but smaller and larger teams are possible.

Work trucks get the crew to and from project work; all travel time, hike time, mobilization and demobilization is paid. AMC provides tents and camp kitchen equipment; employees provide their own packs, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, clothes and personal gear.

What you’ll be doing at AMC:

Coordinate and support a crew of 4 trail crew members to ensure a safe working environment and quality trail work in the field

Supervise the construction of trail structures like staircases, drainages, bridges, and retaining walls.

Layout project work and continually check specifications using levels, measuring tape, chalk lines, etc… when needed.

Safely and effectively use hand tools like pick mattocks, rock bars, hammers, loppers, saws, axes, and pulaskis. Train and supervise crew in use.

Safely and effectively use power tools such as drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, and generators. Train and supervise crew in use.

Safely and effectively use rigging equipment such as winches, cable, blocks, shackles, and slings. Train and supervise crew in use.

Work in and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions including rain, heat, humidity and bluebird days. Ensure preparation of crew, prioritize safety of crew.

Work in as low-impact a way as is possible. Revegetate impacted areas and worksites.

Foster a spirit of cooperation, safety, teamwork, and responsible stewardship

Plan menus, order food, and assist in the preparation of meals for the crew

Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of an emergency

Communicate regularly with Trails Program staff to obtain feedback and suggestions

Assist with maintenance of tools and equipment, and program facility as needed

Ability to drive AMC passenger vehicles and pickup trucks

Professionally represent the AMC to the public and cooperating agencies. Maintain a neat and professional appearance as much as is possible given the circumstances.

Please be aware that this list of responsibilities represents the entire scope of our program’s work, and that no single individual is expected to possess every single one of these skills. We have ample ability to train and teach the right candidate, and value learning and skill development as an essential component of our work.