The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia (TNC) operates an Ecological Restoration Team (ERT). 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 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 Ecological Restoration Crew Leader is responsible for managing a three-person crew working to safely and effectively restore forests and streams throughout the Monongahela National Forest. Restoration work will include, red spruce restoration, by way of releasing sapling spruce from hardwood competition, non-native species removal, and 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.

The Ecological Restoration Team 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.

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.

CORE FUNCTIONS

The crew leader will help steer on-the-ground conservation goals through partnership with the Monongahela National Forest. The crew leader is responsible for management of a small crew including training, maintaining crew morale, adhering to project deadlines, and developing crew work plans. The crew leader will spend roughly 50% of their time conducting tree release of red spruce saplings from hardwood competition using herbicide, 25% of their time adding large woody material to streams to improve aquatic organism habitat, 5% removing non-native invasive plants, 5% mapping and monitoring restoration outcomes, 5% building job skills and career development, and 10% completing managerial tasks like performance reviews, expense reporting, and building crewmember skills.

This full-time temporary position will run from approximately April 6, 2026, to October 1, 2026. This position will be based in Elkins, WV. The crew leader will be required to live in or commute to Elkins every workday. Transportation will be provided for work purposes. On-site training will be provided for essential skills such as spruce release, herbicide application, and chainsaw operation. The crew lead can expect to work 35 to 40 hours in a 4-day work week. Pay for this position is $24/hour.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Foster a collaborative team environment strongly rooted in equity and inclusivity.

• Train crewmembers on essential job skills.

• Create crew work plans that adhere to project deadlines and ensure a safe, effective, and efficient work schedule.

• 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 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• AS/Technical or Vocational Degree in a science related field and 1 year of relevant course work* or related experience** in land management.

*Examples of relevant course work may include: biology, geology, environmental science, agriculture, forestry, or other related fields

**Examples of related experience may include: volunteering, farming, foraging, outdoor recreation, landscaping, manual labor, etc.

• Experience identifying plant and animal species.

• 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).

• Experience working in a team environment.

• Must have or be able to pass the WV Certified Pesticide Applicator exam and basic first aid within one month of employment.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing small groups of peers.

• Chainsaw certification/ experience.

• Strong verbal communication skills in stressful or physically demanding situations.

• Ability to communicate clear written and verbal instruction with crewmembers and colleagues.

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.

Pay for this position is $24/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.