Campsite Programs & Conservation Manager

Position:              Campsite Programs and Conservation Manager

Location:              Gorham, NH

Reports to:         Director of Trails and Recreation Management

Summary Description:

The Campsite Programs and Conservation Manager is the resource for campsite development and management for the Appalachian Mountain Club.

This position’s primary responsibility is all campsite program operations at the AMC’s White and Mahoosuc mountain sites. The Caretaker program is a powerful core Trails program, and is founded on the dual principle of hands-on stewardship and user education in high-use backcountry areas. The management of this program includes recruiting, hiring, training and supervising seasonal staff, maintenance and long-term planning of campsite infrastructure, and the oversight of the Group Use Outreach program. It is a position with a high degree of commitment to public service and landscape conservation.

The Campsite Programs and Conservation Manager also serves as a resource for sustainable campsite design and human waste management for the Club, including expansion of campsites along the Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail in Massachusetts and assisting with campsite development in other locations.

Due to the location of most campsites along the Appalachian Trail, as well as the interaction with long distance hikers, this position serves as the Club representative to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Regional Partnership Committee. The position also has the responsibility for engaging with backcountry and wilderness recreation management issues in Northern New Hampshire and Western Maine, as well as other parts of the AMC region as needed. The position also collaborates with AMC’s policy team and with regional coalitions to support AMC’s conservation initiatives throughout Northern New England.

This is a full-time benefited position. The Campsite Programs and Conservation Manager is part of the hard working and creative thinking team of the Trails Department, based out of Pinkham Notch.

Responsibilities:

White Mountain and Mahoosuc Campsite and Caretaker Program (70%):

• Recruiting, training, and overseeing of ~15 seasonal employees
• Manages departmental budget including tracking of expenses and year-end reporting of use and finances. Work with Director of Trails and Recreation Management on fundraising and grant applications.
• Focus backcountry campsite staff on delivery of high quality public service, resource protection and stewardship. Effectively communicate program objectives with backcountry caretakers, other AMC staff, and key cooperators.
• Manage new campsite and shelter construction and re-construction projects, site repair, and maintenance in the White and Mahoosuc mountains. Work with contractors and vendors as required. Ensure high-quality work and work within budget.
• Oversee Group Outreach Program, led by Group Outreach Coordinator.

Conservation Programs (20%):

• Manage AMC’s corridor monitoring and maintenance program in the Mahoosuc Mountains.
• Organize and implement Trails department airlifting operations. Ensure safe procedures are being followed.
• Applies expertise in land, recreation, and wilderness management to conservation initiatives, polices, and positions, including coordination and presentation of written and oral statements.
• Working with Federal and State agencies, cooperators, and academia, address issues relating to recreational use and natural resource management planning, including considerations unique to the Appalachian Trail and in Wilderness Areas. 
• Serve as Club Representative to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Regional Partnership Committee in New England.
• Support emerging grassroots community conservation efforts in Northern New Hampshire where appropriate.

Other (10%):

• Lead and/or serve as a resource for campsite development initiatives across AMC’s region, including front-country camping and water trails.
• Serve on internal and external committees as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Excellent supervisory, leadership and field management skills.
• Extensive knowledge of backcountry recreation management and natural resource management policies, procedures and planning.
• Strong communication, motivation and organizational skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software email and internet software.
• Flexible team player with an ability to also work independently with an attention to detail and a sense of humor
• Bachelor's degree and several years experience in related field preferred.
• Wilderness First Responder certification is desirable
• Leave-No-Trace Master Educator certification desirable.
• Must be capable of safely traveling alone in the backcountry long distances carrying loads in excess of 40 pounds during all seasons and weather conditions.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Northeast and work evenings and weekends.

To Apply: 

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.

Please include a resume, cover letter, a list of three (3) professional references and salary requirements with your application.  No phone calls, please.

The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.  The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures.  Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting, and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.  Join us!