Caretaker Supervisor

Green Mountain Club field staff are supported by two Field Supervisors: one supporting trail crews, and the other supporting the Backcountry Caretaker program. The Field Supervisors are critical to the annual success of the GMC Field Program, serving as the bridge between year-round staff at the GMC headquarters and the seasonal field staff implementing projects on the trail.

The Caretaker Supervisor supervises 15-20 seasonal Backcountry Caretakers stationed throughout the Long Trail System. Caretakers live in the woods 4 nights a week, stationed at public overnight shelters and campsites on the Long Trail. The daily duties of a caretaker are divided between trail maintenance, site maintenance (including composting human waste), and hiker education. Please read the Backcountry Caretaker position description for a more detailed description of the caretaker role. 

The Caretaker Supervisor will work closely with the Director of Field Programs, Field Coordinator, and seasonal Lead Caretakers to scout and plan work projects in late spring, and to handle project logistics throughout the season. The Caretaker Supervisor ensures a fluid field season through facility and gear management, training, supervision, and management and logistical support for the caretaker program. Position duties are split approximately 50-50 between the office and the field.

The Caretaker Supervisor should bring a depth of experience in public outreach, environmental education, trail maintenance, backcountry waste management, seasonal staff supervision, backpacking, and outdoor living.

We desire to create a more welcoming outdoor professional culture unconstrained by tradition, and seek a Supervisor who shares this goal.

• Location: The Caretaker Supervisor is based out of GMC headquarters in Waterbury Center, VT. This position will require frequent travel to visit caretakers in the field, including occasional overnight trips.
• Position Dates: Mid February - November (some start and end date flexibility available)
  Schedule: Generally Monday-Friday, although weekend work may be required on occasion
  Compensation: $800/week
  Benefits: Employer matching retirement account (403b), Wilderness First Aid class provided. Field Supervisors will have opportunity for other trainings such as chainsaw and crosscut.

Caretaker Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Personnel Management and Logistical Support  
  • Assist with staff hiring as needed 
  • Review caretaker work reports
  • Complete end-of-season internal and external reporting
    
  • Oversee backcountry human waste management throughout the Long Trail System
  • Support caretakers through advance materials planning, acquisition, and delivery for work projects
• Supervision  
  • Regularly visit caretakers in the field to teach and reinforce skills, support personnel needs, provide feedback, and ensure project progress and quality
  • Conduct weekly check-ins with Lead Caretakers to support their leadership of staff in the field
    

• Facility and Gear Management  
  • Maintain an inventory of sharp, handled, ready to work tools and camping gear to support field staff
  • Serve as the main bridge of communication between seasonal field staff and year-round GMC staff and partners regarding day-off housing use, maintenance, and logistics
    
• Training  
  • Work with Field Programs staff to plan and implement preseason caretaker training
  • Coordinate orientation for fall caretakers, including shadowing in the field
  • Deliver follow-up trainings in the field throughout the season
• General GMC Field Program Support 
  • Attend weekly field program meetings with Field Program leadership staff
    
  • Coordinate with GMC Field Program office staff on all aspects of the field program implementation
  • Work with GMC Volunteer Program to facilitate connections among field staff and volunteer trail maintainers
  • All other duties as assigned
    

Caretaker Supervisor Qualifications:  

• Valid Driver’s License 
• Wilderness First Aid certification required (class available free-of-charge during training); WFR preferred (recertification available free-of-charge during training)
• Extensive environmental and/or outdoor education experience
• Experience maintaining hiking trails with hand tools
• Experience with backcountry human waste management techniques
• Experience in leadership positions, preferably in trail work or outdoor education 
• Comfort and experience instructing others in diverse work environments 
• Strong backcountry living skills 
• Ability to problem-solve independently and collaboratively in both office and backcountry settings
• Some flexibility to adjust schedule as required by project developments 
• Ability to perform difficult manual labor and to carry heavy loads as a regular part of the work day
• Ability to live independently and work in a remote area with little supervision
• Experience using Microsoft Office, email, and videoconferencing software
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics 
• Basic knowledge of Long Trail/Appalachian Trail system