Overview
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (GWJNF) lie in 34 counties in the mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The area covers nearly 1.8 million acres of public land, representing one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States. We have six Ranger Districts and one National Recreation Area. These positions will serve to help the forest recover from storm events in 2023-2024 and build a more resilient forest landscape, from forest health, recreation management, and ecosystem restoration.
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and Appalachian Conservation Corps are seeking 3 Open Areas Management IP’s in 2026. The purpose of rangeland management in Virginia is to conserve open areas for the habitats critical to wildlife, the economic value of grazing areas to the community, and the aesthetic value of alpine vistas to recreation. Rangeland management operates within the wildlife department of the Forest Service.
During their term, members will get to work outdoors alongside a crew in the beautiful highlands of Virginia, gaining valuable experience supported by USFS staff. Open areas management in southwest Virginia involves barbed wire fence construction and seeding on grazing allotments, and management of invasive plant species mechanically using brush cutters, chainsaws, and mowing, and chemically through the use of herbicides. Bird and botany surveys, small animal trapping, and water quality monitoring are also key to managing a healthy ecosystem. This is a physically demanding position that will require working outdoors using tools and equipment.
Housing is NOT provided for this position. We are seeking candidates who are residents or would relocate to the surrounding area.
Essential roles and responsibilities include:
•Work on small teams in a remote forest environment
•Utilize and maintain gas-powered equipment, heavy machinery, and hand tools
•Construct, maintain, and demolish fencing
•Control Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) mechanically and chemically
•Learn local flora and fauna and how to use identification keys to assist in surveys
•Maintain safety standards and radio communication
Lead position additional responsibilities:
Serve as a team leader to assist with project communication and coordination
Manage credit card purchases, submitting receipts monthly
Assist with data collection and monthly accomplishment reports
Coordinate vehicle maintenance drop-off
Qualifications:
To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30, and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED. All offers of employment are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award. In addition, applicants must:
Possess a valid driver’s license
Obtain a CPR/First Aid Certification by their first day
Preferred Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources field or relevant experience
Experience working in a crew or team setting
Knowledge of natural resource management
About Appalachian Conservation Corps
Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) 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 a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.
