The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) operates two field crews, each of which has two openings for crew members. Crew responsibilities are as follows:
- The Ecological Restoration Team (ERT) focuses on restoring West Virginia’s high-elevation red spruce forests. Crew members spend roughly 60% of their time conducting silvicultural release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition, 10% planting red spruce and associated hardwood seedlings, 10% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 20% supporting the PHCWPMA field crew (see below).
- The Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area (PHCWPMA) field crew focuses on protecting and restoring high-quality natural areas throughout the high elevations of eastern West Virginia through non-native invasive species (NNIS) removal. Crew members spend roughly 50% of their time controlling NNIS through herbicide applications, 20% controlling NNIS through manual or mechanical treatments, 10% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 20% supporting the ERT (see above).
Applicants will be considered for both crews, and TNC will offer successful applicants a position on one crew 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 placed on the crew of their choice.
These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately April 8, 2019 to September 20, 2019. 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.
- 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 work days.
- Maintain and keep hand tools and power tools in working condition.
- Experience performing physically rigorous work in the outdoors in hazardous terrain and variable weather while applying chemical herbicides.
- Experience working as a team member.
- Experience performing work without direct supervision.
- Experience working with a commitment to workplace safety.
- Must have a valid driver's license
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete restoration and management activities.
- 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.
- Experience driving 4WD vehicle on unimproved and rough roads.
- Strong desire to learn about invasive species management.
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.