Campus Pride Jobs

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. 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 55% of their time conducting tree release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition using herbicide, 20% removing non-native invasive plants, 20% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 5% building job skills and career development. 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. These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately April 1, 2025, to September 25, 2024. Exceptions to these dates will be considered for current students or those with extenuating circumstances. 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 available, but crewmembers will be responsible for paying monthly rent. Housing will be in the vicinity of Bartow, WV. Crewmembers can expect to work 35 to 40 hours in a typical 4-day work week. Pay for this position is $18.00/hour. RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE 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. Travel expenses will be covered. West Virginia is searching for individuals that want to have a direct impact by advancing our red spruce restoration work in the field. If you are looking to work outdoors, are interested in Appalachian ecology, and want to help advance the restoration of in some of West Virginia's most scenic and ecologically important lands, then this is the job for you. If you can think on your feet in changing conditions, foster strong relationships, and want to grow your career in natural resource management, then you are right for our team. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and local individuals are all strongly encouraged to apply. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental leader, impacting conservation in 76 countries and territories, including all 50 U.S. states. It is also one of the top fundraising charities in the United States. By joining our West Virginia team, you will become part of a small but passionate group of dedicated people who are on the leading edge of sca ing conservation of lands and waters while ensuring West Virginia takes a bold step into a low climate future that will also leverage economic diversification and change that brings real benefit to local communities. WHAT YOU'LL BRING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 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 be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application). DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 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