WV Ecological Restoration Crew Leader North Zone Monongahela

The Nature Conservancy • Elkins, WV

8d • $24 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) operates an Ecological Restoration Team (ERT). The team is operated in conjunction with the Monongahela National Forest and other federal, state, and NGO partners of the Central Appalachians Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI). The Ecological Restoration Team focuses on restoring West Virginia’s high-elevation red spruce forests, which provide critical habitat for hundreds of animal species, including rare, threatened, and endangered species like the Cheat Mountain Salamander and the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel. The Ecological Restoration Crew Leader is responsible for managing a three-person crew working to safely and effectively restore forests and streams throughout the Monongahela National Forest. Restoration work will include, red spruce restoration, by way of releasing sapling spruce from hardwood competition, non-native species removal, and restoration of aquatic habitat for native trout populations and other species that depend on healthy and functional mountain streams. Stream restoration will involve using chainsaws and rigging equipment to place woody debris in waterways to help restore their natural state by improving habitat structure and complexity. The Ecological Restoration Team may assist Monongahela National Forest staff with preparation of units for prescribed fire as well as monitor for fire effects. Preparation of units will involve use of hand tools and chainsaws to remove hazardous trees and fuels. This collaborative work will help expand the use of prescribed fire across the National Forest to promote healthy fire adapted forests. Appropriate chainsaw training will be provided. The work that the Ecological Restoration Team performs is a vital component of practicing scientifically based active management and restoration of the forests that make West Virginia such an ecologically special place. CORE FUNCTIONS The crew leader will help steer on-the-ground conservation goals through partnership with the Monongahela National Forest. The crew leader is responsible for management of a small crew including training, maintaining crew morale, adhering to project deadlines, and developing crew work plans. The crew leader will spend roughly 50% of their time conducting tree release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition using herbicide, 25% of their time adding large woody material to streams to improve aquatic organism habitat, 5% removing non-native invasive plants, 5% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, 5% building job skills and career development, and 10% completing managerial tasks like performance reviews, expense reporting, and building crewmember skills. This full-time temporary position will run from approximately April 6, 2026, to October 1, 2026. This position will be based in Elkins, WV. The crew leader will be required to live in or commute to Elkins every workday. Transportation will be provided for work purposes. On-site training will be provided for essential skills such as spruce release, herbicide application, and chainsaw operation. The crew lead can expect to work 35 to 40 hours in a 4-day work week.

Requirements

• AS/Technical or Vocational Degree in a science related field and 1 year of relevant course work or related experience in land management.
• Examples of relevant course work may include: biology, geology, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or other related fields
• Examples of related experience may include: volunteering, farming, foraging, outdoor recreation, landscaping, manual labor, etc.
• Experience identifying plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., hand tools, chainsaws, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, UTV, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must have or be able to pass the WV Certified Pesticide Applicator exam and basic first aid within one month of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program .
• Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing small groups of peers.
• Chainsaw certification/ experience.
• Strong verbal communication skills in stressful or physically demanding situations.
• Ability to communicate clear written and verbal instruction with crewmembers and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Foster a collaborative team environment strongly rooted in equity and inclusivity.
• Train crewmembers on essential job skills.
• Create crew work plans that adhere to project deadlines and ensure a safe, effective, and efficient work schedule.
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Work collaboratively as a team and occasionally independently within the above conditions.
• Maintain hand tools, power tools and other equipment in working condition.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Requires occasional overnight travel.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree