AMC Backcountry Hut Naturalist (2020)
Location: White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire (Carter Notch, Madison Spring, Lakes of the Clouds, Mizpah Spring, Zealand Falls, Galehead, Greenleaf, Lonesome Lake)
Supervision: Huts Manager and Field Supervisors
Job Dates: May 25, 2020 - August 20, 2020 (preference will be given to qualified applicants who can commit to work this full range of dates)
Summary Description: The Hut Naturalist is an environmental education, research, and customer service position. The Naturalist is responsible for initiating on-site interpretive programs including pre-dinner programs, evening programs, sunrise walks, weather talks, and post-breakfast programs. The successful candidate will also be responsible for conducting ongoing plant-based phenology research as part of AMC’s Mountain Watch and assisting in day-to-day hut operations. Daily responsibilities also include advertising programs, organizing interpretive materials, maintaining equipment, and keeping associated records. AMC depends on this individual as part of the hut crew to represent our organization and provide an educational and enjoyable mountain experience for each overnight guest and day visitor. Trainings on local ecology, interpretive program development, and Mountain Watch research will be provided to Naturalists before the season begins.
Hut Crew Naturalists should note that there is an increased emphasis on Mountain Watch, AMC’s long- term ecological monitoring program. Naturalists are instrumental in introducing this program to the public, collecting data as appropriate and reporting findings and observations in a timely manner. Background information of Mountain Watch as well as local ecology will be forwarded to Naturalists well before the season begins.
All hut positions require excellent guest service skills, backcountry experience, and a commitment to the goals of AMC. Environmental education experience are strongly preferred. The standard work schedule is 11 days at the hut and 3 days off. Daily assignments (packing, cleaning, morning and evening support, interpretive programs) are all shared and will be organized by the resident Hutmaster (onsite manager).