Ecological Restoration Team Crew Member

OFFICE LOCATION

Elkins, West Virginia, USA

WV301

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason, or claim an exemption under applicable state law will be considered.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) operates an Ecological Restoration Team (ERT), which has three 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 ERT 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. Crew members will spend roughly 80% of their time conducting silvicultural release of red spruce saplings from hardwood shading, 10% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, and 10% conducting non-native invasive plant removal.

These full-time temporary positions will run from approximately April 4, 2022 to September 29, 2022. 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 not provided.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts ecological restoration work via herbicide application.
• Operates and maintains tools and equipment.
• Conducts monitoring, data collection and entry.
• Drives 4WD truck and UTV with crew and supplies on remote, backcountry roads and unimproved terrain.
• Ensures personal safety and safety of crew by following all safety procedures mandated by state/federal law, TNC policies, and crew leader discretion.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Work collaboratively as a team and occasionally independently under the above conditions.
• Assists with volunteer events such as tree plantings and invasive species workdays.
• Maintain hand tools and power tools in working condition.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma OR GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., hand tools, 4-wheel-drive vehicles, UTV, or similar equipment).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with some coursework in a relevant field (environmental studies, forestry, biology, agriculture, geology, etc.)
  • OR Associates degree with some coursework in a relevant field AND 6 months of relevant experience
  • OR Two or more years of relevant experience

• Ability to perform physically rigorous work in the outdoors in difficult terrain and variable weather while applying chemical herbicides.
• Strong verbal communication skills in stressful or physically demanding situations.
• Enthusiasm to learn about forest ecology and climate change adaptation/resiliency.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to perform work without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated work ethic and commitment to workplace safety.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• (examples of relevant experience may include volunteering, farming, foraging, outdoor recreation, landscaping, manual labor, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

This position pays $15 per hour. Crewmembers will be expected to work between 35 and 40 hours a week. This position is short term. Dates of employment will be approximately April 4, 2022 to September 29, 2022.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 50868, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on February 20, 2022. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.