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.

Ecological Restoration Crewmembers will also assist Monongahela National Forest staff with preparation of units for prescribed fire. 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 50% of their time conducting tree release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition using herbicide, 20% removing non-native invasive plants, 20% preparing burn units for prescribed fire, 5% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 5% building job skills and career development.

These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately May 15, 2023 to August 11, 2023. Exceptions to these dates will be considered for 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 not provided. Pay for this position is $17/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.