The Conservation Practitioner III (field crew leader) leads work teams and supervises staff to ensure objectives of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) West Virginia field crews are being met. The field crew leader performs and participates in natural area operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs. There are two openings for this position, one for each field crew:
- Ecological Restoration Team (ERT): The field crew leader will act as team lead to implement red spruce restoration throughout the high elevations of West Virginia. S/he conducts silvicultural tree release, plants trees, removes exotic species, monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, keeps treatment records for regulatory purposes, writes reports, and updates partners of field crew progress.
- Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area (PHCWPMA): The field crew leader will act as team lead to implement control and management of non-native invasive species throughout the PHCWPMA. S/he maintains natural areas, removes exotic species, monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, keeps treatment records for regulatory purposes, writes reports, and updates partners of field crew progress.
Applicants will be considered for both positions, and TNC will offer successful applicants one position or the other based on the applicant’s skills and experience. TNC will attempt to accommodate the applicant’s preference, but TNC cannot guarantee that successful applicants will be offered the position of their choice.
The field crew leader will need to work closely with TNC staff, partners and cooperators along with TNC field crew personnel. These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately April 1, 2019 to September 27, 2019. These positions are primarily based out of Elkins, WV but will include daily travel to work sites. Transportation will be provided for field work purposes.
- Directs and performs herbicide applications and mechanical treatments for restoration goals, including invasive plant removal and silvicultural tree release.
- Operates and maintains tools and equipment.
- Conducts monitoring data collection and entry.
- Assists with land management and restoration planning.
- Tracks and records work progress including herbicide application records.
- Drives 4WD truck and UTV 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 and TNC policies.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervise field crew with responsibility for scheduling, training and development.
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize the Conservancy.
- Works under minimal and distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments.
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Maintain and keep hand tools and power tools in working condition. Must be familiar with the safe use of backpack sprayers, hand tools like hatchets and loppers, and mechanical tools such as brush cutters.
- 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience in complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Experience with driving 4WD vehicle on unimproved and rough roads.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management.
- Experience supervising staff. Ability to recognize plant species native to the high elevations of West Virginia.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.