WV Ecological Restoration Crewmember South Zone Monongahela

WV Ecological Restoration Crew member South Zone Monongahela

What We Can Achieve Together:
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 Crew member is responsible for working with other crew members 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. Crew members will also work on restoration of aquatic habitat for native trout populations and other species that depend on healthy and functional mountain streams. Stream restoration will involve using chainsaws and rigging equipment to place woody debris in waterways to help restore their natural state by improving habitat structure and complexity.

Crew members 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.

Crew members serve a critical role of advancing on‑the‑ground conservation goals through partnership with the Monongahela National Forest. Crew members will spend roughly 60% of their time conducting tree release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition using herbicide, 30% utilizing chainsaws and other tools to place wood in streams, 5% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 5% building job skills and career development.

These full‑time temporary positions will run from approximately April 13, 2026, to October 1, 2026. Exceptions to these dates will be considered for current students or those with extenuating circumstances.

• 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 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 and/or LGBTQ+ individuals, women and West Virginians are all strongly encouraged to apply.

• 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).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

• Chainsaw certification/experience.
• Experie…