Outdoor Guide (Winter)

Location:            Highland Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Crawford Notch, NH

Joe Dodge Lodge/ Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, Appalachian Mountain Club, Gorham, NH

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!

Summary Description

With an engaging slate of staff-led outdoor experiences for adults and families, the Guided Outdoors team offers programs which promote the appreciation, understanding, enjoyment, and protection of our outdoor spaces. AMC Outdoor Guides lead trips, manage risk, facilitate learning, and act as an interpretive and informational resource to participants and guests, providing high-quality, joyous experiences in the outdoors. The Outdoor Guide reports to the Guided Outdoors Manager and works as part of a collaborative team of staff and volunteers. We seek a skilled Outdoor Guide and an energetic leader that shares a passion for the AMC mission to make the outdoors accessible to all.

What you’ll do at AMC

• Lead day and multi-day programs with participants of all ages and abilities at AMC destinations and in the backcountry including winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country ski trips that focus on backcountry travel skills, safety, and learning in the White Mountain National Forest and AMC’s Maine Woods.


• Integrate education into programs, teaching topics including but not limited to: winter specific hiking safety and gear considerations, Leave No Trace, outdoor skills, local natural and cultural history, AMC mission and history, White Mountain National Forest terrain, AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, etc.


• Prioritize safety and manage risk of participants in the winter backcountry setting, assessing both environmental and human risk and making decisions that benefit both the group and individual experience.


• Provide wilderness medical care.


• Provide excellent customer service and foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.


• Travel to and be familiar with operations of AMC lodges, backcountry huts, and shelters.


• Work collaboratively with AMC’s “A Mountain Classroom” Education team to assist with youth programming (elementary through college age students) when scheduling permits.


• Meet regularly with the Programming Managers, Coordinators, and Guide and Education team to assess programs and facilitate feedback.


• Assist with maintaining inventory of gear for participant use.


• Complete written reports, documentation, and evaluations of programs.

What AMC is looking for

• Demonstrated experience leading outdoor trips including winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and group management in below treeline winter terrain (or willingness to learn winter specific skills if demonstrated experience leading 3-season programs).

• Excellent guest service skills and a demonstrated commitment to the AMC Mission


• Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills


• Experience managing risk of groups in winter settings, understanding specific seasonal hazards.


• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and ability to work with adults and families across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, creating a positive group culture and building healthy rapport with participants.


• Wilderness First-Aid & CPR certification (WFR preferred) or the ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment.


• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural sciences, adventure education, or related field, or equivalent work experience


• Physical abilities needed: Work requires frequent backcountry travel. Requires ability to hike 6-8 miles per day on uneven terrain, carrying a backpack and other equipment up to 40 pounds, in all winter weather conditions. Requires a willingness to, at times, work long hours in mentally and physically demanding conditions.


• Satisfactory driving record and background check, as verified by state record check, and ability to drive a 12-passenger van safely.


• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings.


• Must be over 18 years old.

What AMC Can Offer You

Pay range: $16/hr

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: Dorm-style room for $45/week – meals included, too!


• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 32 hours per week


• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) Contribution


• Paid Time Off: earn up to 10 days of paid earned time 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