Trail crew members are essential to keeping the RMC trail system hikable, maintained, protected from erosion, and protected from damage from high volumes of summer hiking traffic.
Each summer, the RMC hires up to eight crew members to maintain the club’s 102 miles of trails in the Northern Presidentials and the Crescent Range. Trail crew members are essential to keeping the RMC trail system hikable, maintained, protected from erosion, and protected from damage from high volumes of summer hiking traffic.
Hiring typically occurs in the winter and spring for summer employment that lasts from early June to late August. We welcome all candidates, regardless of prior trail work or background experience.
RMC’s crews work under demanding backcountry situations. Our crews work a four-day week, regardless of weather conditions, except during severe storms. Work sites are often remote, with extended periods of camping. Periodically, the crew will use one of the RMC’s four shelters if working on a project at high elevation. Team members work and live closely together, forming strong bonds over the course of the summer.
After two to three weeks of patrolling to remove blowdowns and clean drainages, the crew is split, and two groups of four work on major erosion control projects. Crew members rotate through the projects, so that they have a variety of work experience over the course of the summer.
Each RMC’s crew member has use of a semi-permanent canvas tent, on a tent platform, on the Stearns Lodge grounds. Cooking, dining and bathroom facilities are inside the building. During many work weeks, however, the crews camp in the woods, hiking to the work site on Monday morning, and returning Thursday.
• Advanced erosion control projects including installation of rock steps, waterbars, step stones, ditching, and bog bridges. Trail work is accomplished to U.S. Forest Service and State of New Hampshire Bureau of Trails standards.
Enthusiasm, previous outdoor experience, and willingness to work hard in the mountains – often under adverse conditions. Applicants must be able to pack tools, equipment and camping gear to the daily worksites as needed.
The dates of employment are from early June through mid- to late August. In some years, the RMC fields a smaller crew from early September to mid-October. Hiring takes place on a rolling basis, so early applications are preferred.
