The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) operates an Ecological Restoration Team (ERT), which has two 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 ERT 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. Crew members will spend roughly 75% of their time conducting silvicultural release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition, 5% planting red spruce and associated hardwood seedlings, 10% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 10% conducting non-native invasive plant removal.
These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately June 1, 2021 to October 1, 2021. These positions are based out of Elkins, 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. Housing is not provided.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Conducts restoration work via herbicide application or mechanical methods.
- Operates and maintains tools and equipment.
- Conducts monitoring data collection and entry.
- Drives 4WD truck with crew and supplies on remote, backcountry roads.
- Ensures personal safety and safety of crew by following all safety procedures mandated by state/federal law, TNC policies, and crew leader decisions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May be required to operate independently for brief periods under the above conditions.
- Assists with volunteer events such as tree plantings and invasive species workdays.
- Maintain and keep hand tools and power tools in working condition.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.