WV Ecological Restoration Crewmember South Zone Monongahela

The Nature Conservancy • Elkins, WV

8d • $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) operates an Ecological Restoration Team (ERT), which has multiple openings for crew members. 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 Crewmember is responsible for working with other crewmembers to help safely and effectively restore red spruce forests by way of releasing sapling spruce from hardwood competition. 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 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. Crewmembers will also work on 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. Crewmembers 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. CORE FUNCTIONS Crewmembers serve a critical role of advancing on-the-ground conservation goals through partnership with the Monongahela National Forest. Crew members will spend roughly 60% of their time conducting tree release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition using herbicide, 30% utilizing chainsaws and other tools to place wood in streams, 5% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 5% building job skills and career development. These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately April 13, 2026, to October 1, 2026. Exceptions to these dates will be considered for current students or those with extenuating circumstances. These positions will be based in Marlinton, WV and will include daily travel to work sites. Transportation will be provided for work purposes. On-site training will be provided for all essential skills. TNCWV will work with the selected candidate on securing affordable housing in the Marlinton area. Crewmembers can expect to work 35 to 40 hours in a 4-day work week. Pay for this position is $18.00/hour.

Requirements

• High school diploma, OR GED and 6 months of relevant experience.
• 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).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
• 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

• Chainsaw certification/ experience.
• Experience with native tree identification.
• Relevant experience and relevant course work
• Strong verbal communication skills in stressful or physically demanding situations.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and team members.
• Examples of relevant experience may include volunteering, farming, foraging, outdoor recreation, landscaping, manual labor, etc.
• Examples of relevant course work may include: biology, geology, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or other related fields

Responsibilities

• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and/or 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED