WV Ecological Restoration Crewmember South Zone Monongahela
The Nature Conservancy
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 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.
Crewmembers 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.
Crewmembers 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.
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 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. These positions will be based in Marlinton, 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. TNCWV will work with the selected candidate on securing affordable housing in the Marlinton area. Crewmembers can expect to work 35 to 40 hours in a 4-day work week. Pay for this position is $18.00/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.
Requires occasional overnight travel. Travel expenses will be covered.
We’re Looking for You:
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.
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental leader, impacting conservation in 76 countries and territories, including all 50 U.S. states. It is also one of the top fundraising charities in the United States. By joining our West Virginia team, you will become part of a small but passionate group of dedicated people who are on the leading edge of scaling conservation of lands and waters while ensuring West Virginia takes a bold step into a low climate future that will also leverage economic diversification and change that brings real benefit to local communities.
What You’ll Bring:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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).
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Chainsaw certification/ experience.
Experience with native tree identification.
Relevant experience* and relevant course work**
Strong verbal communication skills in stressful or physically demanding situations.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and team members.
*Examples of relevant experience may include volunteering, farming, foraging, outdoor recreation, landscaping, manual labor, etc.
**Examples of relevant course work may include: biology, geology, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or other related fields
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 the Auto Safety information page 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.
Salary Information:
Pay for this position is $18.00/hour.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
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.
