Ridgerunner Field Coordinator Leading Trail Teams, Stewardship, Education, and Trail Operations

Title: Ridgerunner Coordinator

Supervisor: Backcountry Resource Manager

Dates of Employment: May 15th, 2026 - September 7th, 2026

Location: AMC Northwest Cabin, Salisbury, CT - Southern New England Region

Position Summary:

The Ridgerunner Field Coordinator is the senior seasonal position responsible for the training, supervising, and managing the Ridgerunner program, consisting of the 2 full-time Ridgerunners based out of the AMC’s Northwest Cabin. The position is responsible for coordinating with partners to plan and assist with trail or campsite projects,  reporting data and distribution, as well as promoting education and support with the public. 

AMC Ridgerunners travel the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut and the Southern Massachusetts acting as a vital part of the management for the trail in these states. Ridgerunners live on the trail throughout summer hiking up to 15 miles per day and camping at established areas along the way. Ridgerunners contact over 5,000 trail users annually providing information to the public about area regulations, backpacking techniques, Leave No Trace principals, trail conditions, history and more. Ridgerunners also gather and document important information such as maintenance concerns and visitor use patterns. They are the eyes, ears and public face of the AMC on the AT. The Ridgerunner Coordinator is responsible for providing leadership to the Ridgerunner team in all aspects, as well as reporting information gathered by the Ridgerunners to the appropriate AT partners.

The Ridgerunner Coordinator works a 40 hour work week, and weekend work occurs regularly. The position is a seasonal, non-exempt, hourly position reporting to AMC Southern New England Trails Supervisor.

What AMC is Looking For

• Train, supervise and lead Ridgerunner staff in all aspects of the position, including visitor interaction, Leave No Trace principles, trail maintenance, reporting, and trail policies.

• Provide support and leadership to Ridgerunners through frequent field visits, trail work parties, and weekly staff meetings.

• Create and manage Ridgerunner field schedule, coordinating logistics and sharing itineraries to partners.

• Maintain and share database of visitor encounters, trail maintenance issues and contacts gathered through Ridgerunner reports, ultimately compiling an end of season Ridgerunner report.

• Foster professional relationships with local officials and AMC volunteers and trail users.

• Engage local partners on projects and support .

What AMC is looking for

• Outdoor leadership experience, preferred.

• Extensive solo backpacking experience, required.

• Strong interest or knowledge of backcountry management, desirable.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Ability to work unsupervised, to take initiative and to work as part of a team.

• Knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, helpful.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, required.

• Proficiency with PC based programs; Microsoft Word, Excel, Google and Outlook, preferred.

• Clear criminal background check (performed by AMC Human Resources Dept.)

• 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 record check performed on their name

• This job specification should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required by their supervisor.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $18/hr

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!