Overview
START & END DATES: May 19th, 2025- August 15, 2025 (3 months)
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
LOCATION
The duty station is located in Prince, WV (approx. 15-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.
Required Skills:
• 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.
Preferred Skills:
- 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, Fire Fighter Type 2, S-212)
- State Pesticide Applicators License or experience as a Registered Technician (WV)
- College degree in Natural Resources Field (e.g. Conservation Biology, Forestry, Wildlife Management)
About Forest Stewards Guild
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.
