Crew Leader, SW Virginia-Forest Stewards Apprenticeship

Overview

START & END DATES: 1-year (May 19, 2025- May 30, 2026)

The Forest Stewards Apprenticeship-Virginia (FSA-VA) will consist of a 4-person crew that works
alongside various natural resource management organizations including The Nature Conservancy,
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Virginia Natural Heritage Program in
completing forest management projects such as oak restoration, invasive species management, and
prescribed burn preparation. 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,
invasive species management, and prescribed fire preparation, etc.
• 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
This position is located in Southwest VA. The crew leader is expected to provide their own
transportation to the duty station at the Oxbow Center in St. Paul, VA. Transportation is provided from
the duty station to project locations.

Tagged as: Backcountry Skills, Conservation, Crew, Research/Science and Technical, Trail Supervisor, Trail Supervisor, Crew, and Leaders

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 (VA)
-College degree in Natural Resources Field (e.g. Conservation Biology, Forestry, Wildlife Management)