Employment

Put your passion for the Appalachian Trail to work!

Trail Crew and Ridgerunner Positions

2022 Seasonal Positions

All Positions Have Been Filled

All positions require compliance with a COVID-19 safety plan, which includes testing and showing proof of vaccination. Sorry, no pets allowed.

To Apply: 

  • Submit a cover letter, resume and references by email (indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line) to matcjobs@matc.org.  
  • Preference will be given to those applying by 1/31/22.
  • MATC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Maine Trail Crew Positions Available

MATC’s Maine Trail Crew will be comprised of a mix of paid staff and volunteers (a team of up to 8) working to reconstruct the footpath in backcountry locations along the Appalachian Trail. The Trail Crew will build stone steps, water-bars, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures. Advanced training with stone cutting, stonework, rigging systems will be taught. Project locations will vary along remote section of the Appalachian Trail. Days off housing will be at Lake George Regional Park in Skowhegan, Maine. Food, some camping gear, as well as transportation to project sites will be provided if needed.

Maine Trail Crew

Basecamp Coordinator

The Basecamp Coordinator will support the operation of the Maine Trail Crew, a field team of up to eight, comprised of both paid staff and volunteers.

  • Plan and prepare backcountry and basecamp meals, purchase food
  • Maintain good communication with community stakeholders
  • Ensure cleaning, health and safety measures are adhered to
  • Recruit, support, and transport volunteers
  • Organize training and recreational opportunities
  • Participate at job sites on a limited basis
  • Set-up and take-down Trail Crew operations at the start/end of the season

Pay:  $19/hour, housing and food is provided

Dates:   May 11 – October 5, 2022

Basecamp Coordinator Qualifications:

  • One season working in an outdoor recreation setting
  • Strong organization and computer skills
  • Strong communication skills (verbal, written)
  • Strong indoor and outdoor cooking skills
  • Enjoys camping and an outdoor lifestyle
  • Ability to solve problems with flexibility and resourcefulness
  • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record
  • Ability to work well with others from a variety of backgrounds and ages
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and manage the crew finances

Crew Leader

The Crew Leader will train and supervise crew members and volunteers in trail reconstruction and backcountry camping. The Crew Leader will ensure safe and sanitary conditions at camp and work sites, transport crews, and respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Pay:  $19 to $20/hour, housing and food is provided

Dates:   May 11 – October 5, 2022

Crew Leader Qualifications: 

  • One or more seasons of trail work experience
  • Backcountry backpacking, camping, and cooking experience
  • One or more seasons in a trail leadership role
  • Ability to take responsibility for of all aspects of a trail crew
  • Ability to maintain records, take photos and write project reports
  • Ability to teach trail skills and motivate others
  • Good health and physical fitness
  • Ability to hike long distances in mountain terrain
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions
  • Comfortable working without direct supervision.

Assistant Crew Leader

The Assistant Crew Leader will help train and supervise crew members and volunteers in trail reconstruction and backcountry camping. The Assistant Crew Leader will help ensure safe and sanitary conditions at camp and work sites, transport crews, and respond appropriately to emergency situations.

Pay:  $18 per hour, housing and food is provided

Dates:   May 16 – October 1, 2022

Assistant Crew Leader Qualifications: 

  • One season of trail work experience
  • Backcountry backpacking, camping, and cooking experience
  • One season in an outdoor leadership role
  • Ability to take responsibility for of all aspects of a trail crew
  • Ability to maintain records and photos
  • Ability to teach trail skills and motivate others
  • Good health and physical fitness
  • Ability to hike long distances in mountain terrain
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions
  • Comfortable working without direct supervision.

Crew Member

The Crew Member will be a key part of the Maine Trail Crew comprised of a mix of paid staff and volunteers working to reconstruct the footpath in backcountry locations along the Appalachian Trail.

Pay:  $17 per hour, housing and food is provided

Dates:   May 16 – October 1, 2022

Crew Member Qualifications: 

  • One season of trail work experience
  • Backcountry backpacking, camping, and cooking experience
  • Good health and physical fitness
  • Ability to hike long distances in mountain terrain
  • Ability to maintain a safe and enjoyable work environment under challenging conditions
  • Comfortable working with people from a variety of backgrounds

Volunteer Crew Member

Click here to learn more about volunteering with the Maine Trail Crew

MATC Ridgerunners

Appalachian Trail – Ridgerunner Positions

Dates: May 21 through October 16, including all weekends and holidays

Rate of Pay: $16.50-18.00/hour

Ridgerunner Sites: Gulf Hagas Preserve, Bigelow and Saddleback Mountains

Ridgerunner Job Description:

  • Meet, greet, register, and educate hikers on the Appalachian Trail
  • Positions include camping at backcountry sites during the work week, some gear will be provided if needed
  • Impart backcountry camping and hiking knowledge, skills, and ethics to hikers focusing on youth groups and distance backpackers, for example: where to camp, how to protect water sources, ford a stream, and minimize fire impacts
  • Provide education about rare alpine plants and stewardship on summits and ridgelines.
  • Manage and provide light maintenance at campsites
  • Ridgerunners will receive a housing stipend and day-off housing must be arranged individually (on your own)

Qualifications:

  • Leave No Trace knowledge, skills, and ethics
  • Desire and comfort with primitive, solitary, outdoor living and working conditions, including all types of weather
  • Good physical condition – able to hike with a 40 lb. backpack.
  • Public/customer service skills
  • Professional appearance and attitude
  • Good communication skills (including oral, by phone, and written)
  • Long-distance hiking experience
  • Personal transportation is required to get to trail heads