2026 Backcountry Caretaker -- Mt. Mansfield

Please read the general Backcountry Caretaker job description for a broad overview of the caretaker role. This posting describes the responsibilities unique to caretaking on Mt. Mansfield. Mt. Mansfield, elevation 4,395’, is the highest summit in Vermont, and its ridgeline is home to the vast majority of the state’s remaining alpine tundra. Despite its ruggedness, Mt. Mansfield is easily accessible due to an auto road and gondola operated by Stowe Mountain Resort. These installations, as well as the many hiking trails that lead up the mountain, bring many thousands of visitors to the mountain each year. The Green Mountain Club maintains a small, rustic visitor center at the top of the Auto Road to greet visitors and inform them of the fragile nature of the alpine tundra ecosystem.

On Mt. Mansfield, the role of a caretaker is more heavily weighted toward public interaction than at other sites. Over the course of the season, you will have the opportunity to introduce thousands of people to the grandeur of the mountain and to teach them how they can play a role in protecting it for the future. Interactions can range from short and repetitive to thorough and extensive depending on the situation.

The duties of a Mt. Mansfield caretaker include:

Visitor Center Duty (30-40%) Be present at the Mt. Mansfield Visitor Center for a half day (or occasionally full day) shift. Greet all visitors as they arrive, informing them of the fragile nature of the alpine tundra ecosystem and how to avoid damaging the resource.

• Provide directions, trail recommendations, and information about current conditions.

Collect daily visitor use counts. Engage in Preventative Search and Rescue by advising visitors of the gear necessary to traverse the exposed alpine ridgeline and suggesting alternatives to those who may be underprepared for the conditions. Summit Duty (30-40%) Be present on the summit of Mt. Mansfield for a half day (or occasionally full day) shift.

Greet summit visitors and remind them of the fragile nature of the alpine tundra ecosystem and how to avoid damaging the resource. Use the Authority of the Resource (training provided) to correct inappropriate behavior such as vegetation trampling, off-leash dogs, or drone usage. Collect daily visitor use counts.

Remove trash from the summit area.

• Maintain string fencing, signage, and rock walls on and around the summit.

Trail, Shelter, and Privy Maintenance (20-30%) Mt. Mansfield caretakers are typically responsible for basic maintenance of 5-10 miles of trail and 1-2 overnight sites and privies. Many trails on the mountain are technically challenging. Refer to the general Backcountry Caretaker job description for more detail on the maintenance aspect of the role.

Overnight Site Presence (10%) Mt. Mansfield caretakers are stationed at either Taft Lodge or Butler Lodge four nights each week, where they act as a knowledge resource for campers and encourage minimal impact camping practices.

Qualifications: Please refer to the general Backcountry Caretaker job description for a full list of qualifications. On Mt. Mansfield, we especially seek candidates with the following background and skills:

Extensive experience with public engagement and/or customer service. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups.

Experience and comfort on exposed technical trail (class 2-3).: