Crew Leader – Volunteer Long Trail Patrol
Posted: January 14, 2021
Location: Waterbury Center, Vermont
Time Commitment: 2021 Position Dates: May 10th – August 13th (limited start date flexibility). Potential for later end date . Potential to transition to LTP or Caretaker role for fall season.
Volunteer Long Trail Patrol
The Volunteer Long Trail Patrol program is the link between the GMC professional field program and the thousands of volunteers who are the heart and soul of our GMC history and stewardship. Based out of Mt. Tabor Work Center in Southern Vermont, this volunteer trail crew consist of 4-8 rotating volunteers led by two GMC staff. In 2021 the Volunteer Long Trail Patrol Lead should expect to spend at least four weeks in this role, and up to 8 weeks.
Volunteer crews work on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail on projects such as building puncheon, turnpikes, water bars, side-hill tread, and bridges. Most VLTP projects are in the Green Mountain National Forest, including some in federally designated wilderness areas.
The Volunteer Long Trail Patrol Leads works closely with the Field Supervisor, Field Assistant, and agency partners to scout and plan work projects before volunteers arrive. They work closely with the GMC’s full-time Volunteer Coordinator to handle project logistics throughout the work season. Once the project begins, the VLTP leads guide and instruct the crew volunteers through a full work week. This includes packing into a work site, setting up camp, completing a multi-day trail project, cooperating on camp chores, and packing out. The Volunteer Long Trail Patrol Leads must be a unified team to ensure an enjoyable season for the volunteers as well as an efficient project timeline.
VLTP crews spend five days and four nights in the field in most weather. They work with rock and lumber, as well as native timber as projects require. Friday through Monday nights crews camp near their work sites and share a communal camp kitchen, as well as camp chores. The VLTP Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader are responsible for managing the crew’s meal budget, planning crew meals, shopping for crew groceries, and orienting volunteers to the project and GMC.
Volunteer Training and Support
When not leading the Volunteer Long Trail Patrol, the VLTP Leads will work with GMC’s Volunteer and Education Coordinator to provide training and support to the many volunteers who maintain the Long Trail system. This may include the GMC’s fourteen regional sections, 234 trail and shelter adopters, as well as organized volunteer groups from high schools, colleges and universities, and businesses. VLTP Leads may conduct trail work trainings for GMC’s volunteers and assist on large trail maintenance and construction projects. This work will take place throughout the Green Mountains and will primarily involve day trips to work sites but may involve multi-night stays in the field as well. Projects. When working in this capacity VLTP Leads will be based out of GMC housing in Waterbury Center and share days off with each other as well as other northern field staff.
VLTP staff provide their own personal camping gear. The GMC provides crew vehicles, food for the crew and staff during VLTP hitches, tools, personal protective equipment, and some group equipment (stove, fuel, cook-ware, first-aid supplies). GMC also provides some backpacking gear for volunteers to borrow.
NOTE: Please read the VLTP Assistant Crew Leader position description as well for a full understanding of the VLTP structure.
$590/week, plus housing for days off and meals during work week.
To see other available positions please visit the GMC website.
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