Backcountry Caretaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Dates: October 22nd, 2026 - May 31st, 2027 

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the oldest conservation, education and recreation organization in the United States. The AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures.

Caretakers are the AMC’s primary representatives in these off-grid backcountry facilities during the self-service seasons. To assure the best possible public service, they must be attentive to both the care of the guests and the maintenance of the hut. Basic expectations include friendly service, clean accommodations, and competent emergency assistance. Huts are connected to larger AMC support networks via radio.

The work schedule varies based on hut and is either week-on/week-off or 10 days on/4 days off for the duration of the season. Our caretakers work 56-70 hours per pay period (two weeks). The 2026-2027 seasons are late October-early February, early February-Memorial Day, or late April-Memorial Day, depending on hut and location. Please make clear in your application which season you are interested in working. Furter details and specifics will be discussed with applicants selected for interviews.

What You’ll Be Doing at AMC

• Record daily precipitation statistics, respond to morning radio call, record and post the weather report 
• Provide backcountry information and trail advice for guests 
• Maintain a clean and tidy off-grid facility with no running water  
• Maintain all hut systems as directed in the Operations Manual including USFS Hut permit regulations and responsibilities 
• Welcome overnight guests and day traffic and orient them to the wise use of the space 
• Build and tend a fire in the wood stove in cold months 
•  Establish a schedule for and facilitate kitchen use to guests 
• Sell merch items and AMC memberships to support the AMC's public service efforts 
• Complete a daily report of hut finances and activities 
• Be available for day visitors and overnight guests on weekends and holidays. 
• Collect water and/or maintain the water hole. 
• Shovel snow and remove ice from building, walkways, systems, and fire exits. 
• Conduct scheduled inventories of food, supplies and merchandise items. 
• Support geographically proximal Search and Rescue efforts to the level of comfort/training. 

What AMC is looking for

• Caretakers must have a strong customer service orientation and solid backcountry skills, as well as a commitment to AMC’s recreation, education, and conservation goals. 
• Self-motivated and able to demonstrate responsibility and reliability without daily supervision  
• Prior AMC backcountry employment or closely related experience is preferred.  
• Backcountry medical training (WFA, WFR) is required.  
• Experience and comfort with winter/snow travel (ski, snowshoe, winter hiking) are necessary for some positions. 
• All positions require the ability to travel alone in the backcountry in a variety of weather throughout the season of the position. 
• Caretakers must be physically and mentally able to endure and enjoy solitude and extreme weather conditions. 

What AMC Can Offer You 

Salary range: $11.75/hour

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 75/wk – 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!  

To Apply: 

Please include a resume and letter of interest. No phone calls or agencies please.  

AMC encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they do not meet every listed qualification. If you have a passion for the outdoors and believe your skills and experiences align with this role, we welcome your application.  

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 that serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.