Forestry Crew Member

WHO WE ARE   

The Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals, is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The Forest Stewards Guild seeks forestry technician crew members to complete forest management projects in the New River Gorge National Park. Project work will focus on oak restoration and regeneration,  primarily utilizing chemical methods (75-90% of fieldwork). Crew members are not required to have any previous experience but must be willing to learn new skills and work effectively as part of a team. The crew will often be required to work four 10-hour field days per week.  

Crew Member Duties Include: 

• Work with a crew of 4 people on natural resource management projects such as oak restoration
• Implement herbicide application to meet silvicultural goals
• Work in steep and uneven terrain during rough weather conditions
• Work safely as part of team
• Problem solve and work collaboratively with fellow crew members
• Learn tree identification in skills to accurately implement treatments
• Maintain equipment and tools

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum Age Requirement: 18 (by June 1st)
• 1+ season’s experience implementing natural resource management projects
• Physically fit and able to lift up to 75lbs
• A willingness to work long physical days in the field (sometimes up to 14 hours) and walk with heavy loads on steep and uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to follow instructions, adapt to changing circumstances, and prioritize safety
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively in a team to accomplish tasks
• Willingness to obtain necessary certifications to complete work projects (training provided)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Valid Driver License
• Experience driving 4wd on rough forest roads
• Ability to identify common native and invasive trees in Appalachia
• Experience with herbicide chemical application methods (e.g. hack & squirt, cut stem, basal spray)
• Relevant certifications (state pesticide applicator’s license, first aid & CPR)

COMPENSATION  

• $18.84/hour
• Housing Provided
• Leave: Holiday Pay, Sick Leave, Paid Time Off
• The Guild provides an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting staff from underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports personal and job growth.

TRAININGS PROVIDED 

• WV Registered Technician (Pesticide Certification)
• Wilderness First Aid + CPR
• Tree Species Identification
• Forest Ecology & Oak Restoration Techniques

LOCATION 

Housing/base is located in Beckley, WV. Project work will be at the New River Gorge National Park. Transportation is provided from the housing to project locations.