Backcountry Caretaker

Seasonal Dates: 6/7/2026 - 9/16/2026

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!

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) maintains a series of 14 remote campsites and shelters along the Appalachian Trail, spanning the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire and the Mahoosuc Mountains in Maine. From late May through September and October, nine of these sites are staffed by caretakers who work and live on-site, providing vital support for both public service and resource protection. Caretakers achieve this through outreach and education, alongside responsibilities such as campsite management and rehabilitation, trail maintenance, and human waste management.

Caretakers typically stay on-site for 10 to 11 days at a time, followed by 3 to 4 nights off. During their shifts, their home is a 10 x 12 canvas wall tent, with all tools, supplies, and equipment provided. For added flexibility, rotator positions are available to cover multiple sites when regular caretakers are on their days off. Before the season begins, all caretakers undergo an intensive 10-day training program covering every aspect of the role.

Trail work experience is not a requirement for this position. The AMC is looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a positive impact and leave the woods better than they found it. This role is more than just a job—it’s a transformative experience. The person who enters the woods in May will not be the same as the one who emerges at the end of the season. If you’re ready for a unique and rewarding challenge, don’t hesitate to apply!

What you’ll be doing at AMC

• Educate the public on ethically camping practices in the backcountry.
• Provide information on trail conditions to the public.
• Maintain a clean and clear campsite.
• Maintain between 2–4 miles of trail. Clearing blowdowns, drainages, brushing corridor
• Compost human waste on site.
• Respond to search and rescue needs on a volunteer basis
• Represent and support the efforts of the AMC in a professional and supportive manner to the public and cooperating agencies.
• Data collection of bird migration, ecology, and climate.

What AMC is Looking For

• Strong commitment to resource protection and public service.
• Emotional maturity and self-motivation.
• Ability to work and live alone in remote setting with minimal supervision.
• Excellent education and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with diverse groups of hikers.
• Extensive backpacking experience and ability to carry heavy loads long distances over rugged terrain.
• Strong commitment to backcountry stewardship and Leave No Trace ethics.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $16.00/Hourly

We are committed to fair 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 $75/week – meals included, too! 

• Insurance: Available with positions that are 6 months or longer and when working greater than 30 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 please.

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application. 

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.