Fall and Winter Timber Crew Member

Position Title: Fall & Winter Timber Crew Member 

Location: Based out of Harrisonburg, VA 

Compensation: $600 per week ($500 living stipend + $100 additional benefit) 

Terms of Service 

• Start Date: September 7th, 2026
• End Date: January 26th, 2027

Purpose 

Appalachian Conservation Corps works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As an AmeriCorps program, we partner with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development.  

Appalachian Conservation Corps is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities. We aim to engage future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our public lands through community-based service. We welcome national applicants but also emphasize the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve. 

Project Description  

This project provides practical, field-based experience in implementing silvicultural prescriptions in the complex forest types of the Southern Appalachians. Members assist with timber sale contract preparation in the field and prepare or inspect non-commercial silvicultural activity contracts. Under supervision of a professional forester, and using pre-established marking rules, crew members are expected to:  

• Select and mark trees to be harvested or left uncut.
• Lay out boundaries of cutting areas as outlined in the environmental planning documents and silvicultural prescriptions, considering variables such as accessibility, steep slopes, stream protection, nesting tree protection, wildlife impacts, fuels management and regeneration requirements.
• Mark or otherwise identify trees using marking rules in locations with additional consideration of species composition, tree timber defect, site quality, age, form class, etc.
• Mark unit boundaries and occasionally utilize GPS to record boundary locations.
• Assist in other aspects of natural resource management, such as performing non-commercial silvicultural activities to promote the growth and vitality of desired tree species.

Crews will meet at the Appalachian Conservation Corps office in Harrisonburg or Augusta County on Monday mornings, travel in a crew vehicle to their project site, and remain in the field for 9 days at a time, followed by 5 days off. Over the course of five months, projects take place across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia.   

During their time in the field, crews perform manual labor on environmental conservation and timber projects in all types of weather conditions for 10 hours each day. This crew will also be trained in and expected to safely use chainsaws, and other trail tools to complete a variety of conservation projects. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack. When tree-marking paint is utilized, crew members will also be expected to begin hiking with up to 2 gallons of paint added to their packs. 

Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with the outdoors or outdoor work can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew. 

Schedule and Crew Life 

Appalachian Conservation Corps is an independent, non-residential program. Crews are responsible for their own housing, food, and transportation when they are not in the field. While participants are asked to supply as much of their personal equipment as possible, loaner gear will be available if needed. A gear list is provided upon acceptance into the program.  

Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites. 

Members may be required to participate in service projects or events as part of their service terms. Prior to their start date, selected participants are required to complete an enrollment process that includes completing e-forms, uploading IDs, orientation on AmeriCorps prohibited activities, and beginning their background check process.  

Appalachian Conservation Corps supports a culture of feedback and growth. Participants will set goals at the beginning of the season and review their performance in the middle and at the end of their season. Participants will also be asked to evaluate the program and their experience. Overall performance will be measured by assignment completion, hours served, and other criteria set at the start of the service term.  

Qualifications 

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for veterans up to age 35).
• Have US citizenship or legal permanent residency status.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Must have first aid and CPR certification or be willing to earn before the start date.
• Comfortable working independently in remote locations and adverse weather conditions.
• Preference for applicants with experience with timber cruising and marking, forest ecology and silviculture, and/or timber stand inventory.