Crew Leader at Forest Stewards Guild

Wayne State University; West Virginia; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a dedicated Crew Leader for a transformative apprenticeship program in the stunning New River Gorge National Park. This role involves leading a passionate team in vital conservation projects, ensuring safety, and fostering a positive work culture. With a focus on oak restoration and ecological monitoring, you will gain invaluable experience while working in a breathtaking outdoor setting. Join a team that values diversity, open communication, and personal growth, and contribute to meaningful environmental stewardship in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Housing Provided

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• Experience in leadership roles in conservation or outdoor education.
• Ability to prioritize crew safety and make effective decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a crew in natural resource management projects.
• Ensure safety and track crew accomplishments.

Skills

Leadership in conservation

Natural resource management

Risk management

Physical fitness

Decision making

Education

College degree in Natural Resources Field

Tools

Chainsaw operation

4WD vehicles

Job description

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LOCATIONS: New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia (Housing Provided)

START & END DATES: May 19th, 2025- August 15, 2025 (3 months)

WORK SCHEDULE: Full time

SUPERVISOR: Southeast Region Coordinator

COMPENSATION: $22.54/hour

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 Apprenticeship-New River Gorge (FSA-NERI) will consist of a 4-person crew that works alongside the National Park Service in the New River Gorge National Park to complete forest management projects including oak monitoring and restoration projects. The crew leader will be responsible for leading the crews in logistics, risk management, administrative duties, project partner coordination, and team dynamics. The crew leader is critical to facilitating a positive apprenticeship experience for crew members. Crew Leader Duties Include:

• Ensure the safety of crews at all times, when working and traveling

• Lead 3 crew members in natural resource management projects such as oak restoration, ecological monitoring, and invasive species management

• Build positive team and work culture

• Track crew accomplishments and other reporting duties

• Correspond between Guild and Work Partner staff to ensure crew tasks are completed

• Drive 4WD vehicles on rough roads

• Work in steep and uneven terrain during rough weather conditions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in leadership, supervisory, or instructor position in conservation, outdoor education, or related field

• Ability to make decisions to prioritize crew safety

• Strong ability to work independently, pay attention to details, provide organization, and remain flexible

• Physically fit and able to lift 75lbs, work long days in the field (sometime up to 14 hours) and walk with heavy loads on steep and uneven terrain while maintaining focus on supporting crew members. Must be able to pass an arduous pack test. Walk 3 miles with 45 pounds in 45 minutes

• Possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record

• Experience performing similar or comparable conservation projects to those the crew will complete (invasive species management, vegetation management, trail work, ecological monitoring, etc.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience performing and/or leading natural resource management projects or experience in outdoor education/leadership
• Ability to identify native and invasive vegetation in Appalachia
• Safe chainsaw operation experience
• Relevant Certifications (e.g. Wilderness First Aid, CPR)
• State Pesticide Applicators License or experience as a Registered Technician
• College degree in Natural Resources Field (e.g. Conservation Biology, Forestry, Wildlife Management)

COMPENSATION

• $22.54/hour
• Housing Provided
• Leave: Paid holidays, 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.

LOCATION

The duty station is located in Glen Jean, WV (approx. 20-minute drive from Beckley, WV). Crew Leaders are expected to provide their own transportation to the duty station. Project work will be in New River Gorge National Park. Transportation is provided from the duty station to project locations.

Questions about this position can be directed to Chris DeFiore at [e-mail]

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job We believe in a workforce that reflects the strengths of all members of our community.

The Forest Stewards Guild strives to create a collaborative, supportive, and respectful setting for all employees and partners. To meet this goal, we recognize and celebrate the wide range of differences that characterize our members, employees, partners, and collaborators. Indeed, it is those differences that enhance our organization and help us to meet our mission and vision.