Ridgerunner - Southern New England
Appalachian Mountain Club
ApplyOpportunity summary
Term length
5/13/2024 - 9/4/2024
Application window
1/1/2024 - 9/6/2024
Location
South Egremont, Massachusetts
Hourly pay equivalent
$15.00
Project summary
RidgeRunners inform the public on Leave No Trace principles, trail conditions, safety, area regulations, flora/fauna, backpacking techniques, history, and local management practices. RidgeRunners also gather and report important information such as maintenance concerns, visitor use patterns and environmental monitoring.
Opportunity description
AMC RidgeRunners function in a vital management and public resource role on the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and Southern Massachusetts. RidgeRunners live on the trail throughout the summer, in ten-day shifts, hiking up to 15 miles per day and camping in designated areas along the way. While interacting with over 3,000 trail users annually, their primary role is education and engagement. Ridge Runners inform the public on Leave No Trace principles, trail conditions, safety, and area regulations.
Benefits
- Education benefit
- Housing
Requirements and qualifications
Requirements
Extensive backpacking experience. Appalachian Trail Thru Hike is not mandatory but helpful. Solo backpacking experience. Willingness to work long hours independently, frequently in isolated areas. Excellent communication skills. Strong desire and ability to work with the public. Ability to work unsupervised independently making professional decisions and taking initiative. Strong interest in backcountry management.
Preferred qualifications
Wilderness First Aid and CPR or Wilderness First Responder certifications (WFA/CPR can be provided by AMC during training at no-cost). Background in environmental sciences, natural resources or education preferred.
Opportunity details
Focus area
- Natural resource preservation and conservation
- Biodiversity protection and restoration
- Outdoor recreation access improvements
- Recycling and composting programs
- Environmental education and training
- Environmental research and citizen science
Work environment
- Individual placement
- Rural
- Outdoor