Contact Name: Isaac Alexandre-Leach
Company/Organization/Agency: Green Mountain Club
Address: 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd., Waterbury Ctr., VT 05677 US
Email Address: isaac@greenmountainclub.org
Contact Phone: (802) 343-9019
Job Title: Backcountry Construction Crew Lead
Job Description: We are accepting applications for the 2021 Field Season on a rolling basis.
To apply for this position, use link at bottom of page.
Overview:
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. The Crew Leader is responsible for overseeing material transport, including keeping accurate tool and material lists. In the case of motorized access assistance, the Field Supervisor or Director will assist with coordination.
Project materials are ordered in coordination with the Field Supervisor and Director. Some materials may be pre-purchased before the season begins, including lumber and roofing. The Crew Leader is responsible for purchasing any additional supplies on an as-needed basis, such as fasteners, paint, replacement parts, and specialized materials.
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.
2021 Position Dates: May 10th – October 22rd. Some start date flexibility. End date subject to change based on project progress.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, camping at work site Monday – Thursday nights as required for efficient project completion.
Compensation: $590/week, plus housing for days off
Supervisor: Field Supervisor, Director of Field Programs
Construction Crew Leader Responsibilities:
-Lead 2 – 3 crew members on backcountry construction and structure repair projects.
-Support LTP Orientation, possibly leading some trainings
-Work with Field Supervisor and Director of Field Programs to scout and plan work projects.
-Set weekly work schedules to efficiently complete project goals.
-Complete weekly work logs and reports.
-Develop and foster healthy working relationships with and between all members of crew.
-Oversee transport of building materials to and from work site
-Oversee 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.
-Oversee weekly cleaning and maintenance of project tools and camp supplies
-Maintain a clean, safe, and operational tool storage facility at GMC Headquarters.
-Ensure safe and responsible operation of GMC vehicles and conduct weekly vehicle checks.
-Implement and model Leave No Trace practices at project work site and at camp.
-Act as GMC on-site liaison with agency partners, including the US Forest Service, Vermont Forest, -Parks, and Recreation, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Construction Crew Leader Qualifications:
-Valid Driver’s License required
-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
-Extensive experience with basic carpentry tools and power tools. Historic preservation construction experience preferred but not required
-Carpentry experience: basic framing and carpentry experience required. Stick built, timber frame, and log building experience ideal.
-Experience in leadership positions, preferably in trail work or construction
-Comfort and experience instructing others in diverse work environments
-Ability to problem-solve independently and collaboratively in the backcountry with minimal access to phone or internet service
-Ability to adhere to weekly work schedules and flexibility to adjust schedules as required by project developments
-Strong backcountry living skills, including cooking and waste management
-Experience working with agency and project partners
-Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles (training provided during orientation)
Job Start Date: 5/10/2021
Application Deadline: 4/15/2021
Additional Information: This position is being hired on a rolling basis, apply today!
Application link can be found at:
https://www.greenmountainclub.org/about/employment-opportunities/seasonal-jobs/backcountry-lead-carpenter/