AMC/ NH-JAG Trail Crew Leader

Title: AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leader

Location: AMC Camp Dodge Volunteer Center, Gorham, NH

Supervision: AMC Trails Volunteer Programs Manager

Job Dates: May 29 - August 18, 2017

Hiring Timeline: Applications are accepted on a
rolling basis, starting in November. Interviews are held in January and
February. Final notice is sent out by the end of March at the latest.

Summary Description:

AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are a three-month, seasonal staff
position, May 29– August 18, 2017, with the AMC’s White Mountain Trails
Department. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders lead high school students
participating in the New Hampshire - Jobs For America's Graduates
(NH-JAG) program on a variety of trail work projects in Berlin, NH and
Woodsville, NH.  All AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crews are co-lead by two AMC Trail
Crew Leaders.

NH-JAG is a unique program designed to offer job experience for
youth-at-risk. The focus of this program is to offer work experience in
the realm of conservation and trail stewardship. During the summer 2016
season these two AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders will be leading four
weeks of day trip trail projects in Berlin, NH, and then four weeks of
trail projects in Woodsville, NH. The NH-JAG students that participate
in this program are paid staff as well, making this a similar model to
other youth conservation corps across the nation. In addition to this
eight weeks of crew work there is a training period in the early summer
and trail work projects with other local schools and camps in northern
New Hampshire.

Throughout the summer season, the AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are
expected to communicate leadership techniques and decision-making
processes with their co-Leader while leading groups of at-risk high
school youth. When working on the trails, all leaders are expected to
facilitate proper outdoor skills associated with low impact methods.
AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crews are involved in a variety of projects maintaining
hiking and skiing trails and backcountry facilities all within the
White Mountain region. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders work together to
teach the NH-JAG students trail maintenance skills, such as installing
and cleaning waterbars, setting rock steps, building bog bridges and
blazing and standardizing trails. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders
emphasize safety and maintain a high level of morale and work standards.

We look for independent and motivated individuals with previous
outdoor leadership experience, a background in trail work skills and a
desire to work with youth-at-risk. AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders are
based at Camp Dodge and work a schedule of five days on
(Monday-Friday) and two days off (Saturday-Sunday), all projects are
day-trips and the staff leaders will return to Camp Dodge each day.
Hours are variable within the 40 hour workweek. All AMC/NH-JAG Trail
Crew Leaders are responsible for supervision of the NH-JAG students for
the entirety of each work day.  Work can be physically and mentally
challenging but the rewards are often unforgettable. Food, tools,
equipment, and leadership/trail work training are provided. The
AMC/NH-JAG Trail Crew Leaders report to the AMC Trails Volunteer
Programs Manager.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train up to twelve youth-at-risk high school students
  each week in a trail crew setting and ensure quality trail work in the
  field.
• Manage trail work projects in the frontcountry as well as backcountry setting maintaining AMC trail work standards.
      
• Communicate decisions and group management techniques with other Leaders.
      
• Serve as the primary responder/coordinator in the event of a emergency, following both AMC and NH-JAG guidelines.
      
• Foster morale and ensure a positive experience for all participants.
      
• Emphasize safety and low-impact methods on the trail.
      
• Communicate regularly with Camp Dodge, Trails Program staff, and NH-JAG staff to obtain feedback and suggestions.
• Assist with maintenance of tools and equipment as needed.
      

Qualifications

• Ability to live and work in the outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Ability to supervise high school aged participants in the outdoors.
      
• Ability to work with diverse populations under varying conditions.
      
• Ability to effectively work with youth-at-risk.
      
• Ability to remain focused and manage many tasks simultaneously.
      
• Strong motivational and communication skills.
      
• Organizational skills and attention to detail.
      
• Ability to carry heavy loads (80+ lbs.) for long distances.
      
• Leadership experience.
      
• Knowledge of White Mountains and AMC, desirable.
      
• Knowledge of trail work, desirable.
      
• Experience or desire to work with youth.
      
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver’s license
  and clear driving record required (driving record check will be
  performed).
• Clear criminal background check (performed by AMC Human Resources Dept.)
      
• Commitment to resource protection and a passion for conservation.
      
• 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.

Questions and additional Information:

Alexander R. DeLucia

Trails Volunteer Programs Manager

Highland Center Rout 302

Bretton Woods, NH 03575

Office: 603-278-3816

adelucia@outdoors.org

 The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and an Equal Opportunity Service Provider. The AMC values diversity in the workplace.