2025 Backcountry Caretakers and Ridgerunners

2025 Position Dates:
Commitment to full season preferred.
Full Season: June 4 - October 15
Summer: June 5 - August 8
Fall: August 4 - October 15

Responsibilities:

• Educate hikers about fragile ecosystems at high-use sites along the Long Trail.
• Maintain assigned backcountry shelters and tenting areas.
• Regularly maintain assigned composting outhouses.
• Maintain 10 - 20 miles of hiking trail using hand tools.
• Staff designated overnight site four nights per week, acting as knowledge resource for campers and encouraging minimal impact camping practices.
• Collect visitor use data at overnight site and at pond or summit.
• Submit weekly shift reports and group use feedback forms.
• Write formal End of Season report if leaving in October or informal mid-season report if leaving in August.
• Encourage and model Leave No Trace practices and low impact behaviors on trails and at summits, ponds, camping areas, and backcountry shelters.
• Serve as professional backcountry representative of the GMC, both as knowledge source and as behavioral role model.
• Carry first aid kit and sufficient supplies to travel safely in the backcountry at all times.
• Voluntarily participate in Search and Rescue operations.
• Assist with weekly cleaning of staff housing.

Qualifications:

• Strong backpacking and outdoor skills
• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with little supervision
• Comfort working multiple days outdoors in sometimes adverse weather conditions
• Comfort with basic hand tools (trail maintenance training provided during orientation)
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals and groups
• Environmental and/or outdoor education experience preferred
• Basic knowledge of Long Trail/Appalachian Trail system
• Wilderness First Aid certification (class available free-of-charge during orientation)
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays, these are the busiest days on trail!
• Physical Requirements: 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds at a time
  • Ability to be on foot for prolonged periods of time, including hiking several miles with a heavy pack
  • Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the workday
• Must have valid Driver's License and access to a reliable personal vehicle

Visit the GMC website for more information and to apply.