Contact Name: Isaac Alexandre-Leach
Company/Organization/Agency: Green Mountain Club
Address: 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Center, VT 05677 United States
Email Address: isaac@greenmountainclub.org
Contact Phone: (802) 343-9019
Job Title: Backcountry Construction Crew Member
Job Description: Green Mountain Club is hiring a Backcountry Construction Crew Lead on a rolling basis. Apply today!
Ever since Mansfield’s Taft Lodge was built in 1920, GMC staff and volunteers have been hard at work building and maintaining the dozens of overnight shelters, tenting areas, privies, and informational signs that are the staples of backpacking in the Green Mountains. To this end, the GMC runs a specialized Long Trail Patrol to focus on those construction projects, known as the Construction Crew.
The Construction Crew consists of the crew leader and two or three crew members. Crews work Monday through Friday in the field in most weather. For backcountry projects, crews camp near their work sites Monday through Thursday nights and share a communal camp kitchen, as well as camp chores.
The 2021 Backcountry Construction Crew will be unique in that it will primarily work in Vermont's federally designated Wilderness Areas, which prohibit use of motor vehicles and power tools.
These projects will include the construction of a number of new moldering outhouses, as well as much-needed shelter repairs. Shelter repairs may include replacing or repairing roofs, replacing footings or joists, patching walls, and re-staining structures. Pre-fabrication of materials is done at the GMC tool barn when appropriate. All projects in Wilderness Areas will be done using hand tools only.
Most work sites cannot be driven to, and supplies must be transported the remaining distance via hiking trails, snowmobile trails, and the like. Material is transported via hiking, all-terrain vehicles, helicopter airlifts, or a combination of methods.
Communal housing is available for days off as well as during projects which do not require camping. GMC provides tools, personal protective equipment, some group camping equipment (stove, fuel, first-aid supplies, water filters), and vehicles for transportation to the work site. Crew members provide their own personal camping gear and food.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, camping at work site Monday – Thursday nights as required for efficient project completion.
Compensation: $480/week, plus housing for days off
Supervisor: Construction Crew Leader, Field Supervisor
Construction Crew Member Responsibilities:
-Work alongside Crew Leader and 2 crew members on backcountry construction and structure repair projects.
-Assist with transport of building materials to and from work site
-Take part in proper site clean up and waste disposal when projects are completed
-Purchase building materials and supplies as needed
-Maintain high standards of work and safety in a range of weather conditions.
-Use tools in accordance with GMC safety protocol and comply with personal protective equipment requirements at all times.
-Participate in weekly cleaning and maintenance of project tools and camp supplies
-Maintain a clean, safe, and operational tool storage facility at GMC Headquarters.
-Safely operate GMC vehicles and conduct weekly vehicle checks.
-Implement and model Leave No Trace practices at project work site and at camp.
Construction Crew Member Qualifications:
-Valid Driver’s License preferred
-Wilderness First Aid certification required (class available free-of-charge during training); WFR preferred (re-certification available free-of-charge during training)
-Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the workday
-Experience with basic carpentry tools and power tools.
-Familiarity and comfort with backcountry camping and hiking.
-Ability to problem-solve independently and collaboratively in the backcountry with minimal access to phone or internet service
-Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)
Job Start Date: 8/9/2021
Application Deadline: 10/15/2021
Additional Information: We are hiring on a rolling basis, apply now! For full position descriptions, other GMC jobs, and to apply, visit greenmountainclub.org/seasonal