Put your passion for the Appalachian Trail to work!

Help conserve a wild region of the Maine woods while gaining skills.
Whether you’re looking for a fun, active summer job or a steppingstone toward an outdoor career, join us for a life-changing experience.

How to Apply – Email your cover letter, resume, and references to matcjobs@matc.org.

Free Off-Day Housing: at the new Maine Trail Center in Skowhegan, including bunk-style rooms, kitchen, Wi-Fi, common areas, parking, showers, and laundry.

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Trail Crew Positions – Mid-May through Mid-August

Trail Crew Leader – $22–$24/hour

Key Responsibilities: Work along the iconic Appalachian Trail and develop stonework, rigging and leadership skills. The Crew will build stone steps, waterbars, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures. Advanced training will be provided. The Crew Leader will train and supervise up to 8 crew members (both paid employees and volunteers) in trail reconstruction and backcountry camping, ensure safe conditions at campsites, work sites, and with transportation.

Qualifications:

• Backcountry backpacking, camping, and cooking experience.
• One or more seasons in a trail leadership role.
• Ability to take responsibility for all aspects of a trail crew.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with crew members, supervisors, and partnering organizations.
• Good organizational skills, ability to keep accurate records, and reports.
• Ability to teach trail skills and motivate others.
• Good health, physical fitness, ability to hike in challenging terrain with 50 lbs of gear, and manual strength to build and maintain trails.
• Valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and no criminal record
• Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions.
• Comfortable working without direct supervision.

Trail Crew Coordinator – $20–$21/hour

Key Responsibilities: Support the operation of the Maine Trail Crew, a field team of up to 8 paid staff and volunteers. The Crew will use rigging systems and build stone steps, waterbars, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures. The Crew Coordinator will work both off trail from basecamp, and along the Appalachian Trail. Duties will include managing basecamp which serves as off-day housing for the crew, other seasonal employees and volunteers; planning, purchasing and organizing backcountry meals; transporting crew members and volunteers; maintaining the crew budget, record keeping and reporting; and helping trouble-shoot problems.

Qualifications:

• Backcountry backpacking, camping and cooking experience.
• Strong organization skills.
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written).
• Good health and physical fitness.
• Ability to solve problems with flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and no criminal record
• Ability to work well with others from a variety of backgrounds.
• Good collaboration and communication skills with crew members, volunteers, supervisors, and agency partners.

Trail Crew Members – $17–$18/hour

Key Responsibilities: Work and camp along the Appalachian Trail and develop stonework, rigging and leadership skills. The Crew will build stone steps, waterbars, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures.
Qualifications:

• At least one season of trail work experience preferred.
• Backcountry backpacking, camping, and cooking experience.
• Good health and physical fitness.
• Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions, and to take direction from leadership.
• Ability to solve problems with flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work well with others from a variety of backgrounds.
• No criminal record

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Ridgeruuner Positions – May 16 through October 1

Appalachian Trail Ridgerunners – $18–$22/hour

Key Responsibilities: Meet, greet and collect data about hikers on the Appalachian Trail including youth groups, day & overnight visitors, and long-distance backpackers. Teach backcountry knowledge, skills and ethics, for example protecting water sources, wildlife, fording a stream, and minimizing fire impacts. Provide education about rare alpine plants and steward summits and ridgelines. Manage and provide maintenance at campsites.

Qualification:

• Knowledge, skills and ethics of low impact backcountry hiking and camping practices.
• Comfort with primitive, solitary, outdoor living and working conditions.
• Good physical condition – able to hike with a 40 lb. backpack in rugged terrain
• Public/customer service skills.
• Professional appearance and attitude
• Good communication skills including oral, by smart phone (required), and written.
• Long-distance hiking experience
• No criminal record

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AmeriCorps Outreach Steward

Season: January – September (home-based in Maine with statewide travel)

Compensation:
• Bi-weekly living allowance: $1,050
• Housing stipend: $3,105.52
• Education Award: $5,176.50 upon completion of 1,200 hours
• Health insurance, phone & mileage reimbursement

Key Responsibilities: Volunteer Recruitment, support and coordinate projects by matching youth and underserved groups with experienced trail workers and partner organizations to help build bog bridges, tent platforms, trim brush, etc. Deliver outdoor ethics and alpine education programs, teach skills and lead guided hikes on the Appalachian Trail and at other locations.

Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in volunteer management and community outreach
• Strong backcountry camping and hiking skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in social media and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Passion, knowledge and experience for the outdoors and environmental conservation