Assistant Field Crew Leader - Wilderness Field Crew
About the Job
Position Title: Assistant Field Crew Leader
Position Duration: Week of April 11, 2022 to October 2022
Season Schedule: Training is variable. Projects run on an 8 days on and 6 days off schedule until daylight savings.
Status: Temporary/Seasonal
Compensation: Assistant Leader, $16.00/hr paid every two weeks; time and grade increases for returning staff.
Position Supervisor: Field Operations Coordinator
Location: Asheville, NC with significant time spent at project sites
Position Summary
Under leadership of the Field Crew Leader, the Assistant Leader will help lead a crew of six, comprised of the Field Crew Leader, an Assistant Field Crew Leader, and four Field Crew Members. The field crew leadership team will go through 8 weeks of pre-season training (described below) followed by a 10-week summer season and an 11-week fall season working on multiday, remote field projects. A typical pay period includes meeting at the designated location, driving several hours to a trailhead, backpacking into the project site, staying in the field for 8 days at a time, hiking out, traveling back to the designated location, and cleaning gear, tools, vehicles, completing reporting requirements, and preparing for the next project.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Complete field crew leader training
Adjust plans and decisions as the season, work week or day unfolds
Under direction of the Crew Leader, lead, supervise and inspire crew members to effectively complete critical backcountry stewardship projects
Communicate directions, project specifications and constructive criticism throughout the season
Teach leadership skills and facilitate leadership opportunities for crew members
Maintain tools and equipment
Assist SAWS staff in developing and maintaining strong, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff and volunteers
Track project progress daily and accurately report completed work at the end of each project
Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation
Follow and implement SAWS organizational policies in the field
Maintain high standards for project completion
Maintain an inclusive, safe, positive, and fun working environment
Benefits
Crosscut saw certification
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification
Food stipend is provided ($9/day)
May qualify for Public Land Service Corps (PLC) hiring authority
Opportunities for professional network growth
Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals
Qualifications
In addition to enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, applicants should have the following:
Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 60 pounds or more
Ability and desire to create a safe and inclusive work environment
Knowledge about group dynamics and conflict resolution
Ability to live and work in a remote and primitive setting with diverse groups of people
Desire to be a member of a hard-working team and transformative non-profit organization
Six to nine months of trail work experience, backcountry trail work experience a plus.
At least three months of experience in a field-based position.
Resources
Personal protective gear
Tools and equipment
SAWS uniforms
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion library
Public Lands Corps (PLC) noncompetitive hiring authority for Forest Service positions (eligibility requirements exist)
Some camping gear available for season
About Us
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) is a conservation non-profit dedicated to providing stewardship to protected public lands in the Southern Appalachian region, including in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Founded in 2010, SAWS partners with federal agencies, including the Forest Service, to supplement existing stewardship efforts and provide additional support for training, skill-building, and community engagement. SAWS works to support safe, equitable access to public lands, preserve natural resources, and develop the next generation of conservation stewards. SAWS is headquartered in Asheville, NC with an office in Roanoke, VA.
SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace. SAWS values a safe, inclusive work environment, free from discrimination of any kind. We are committed to working towards equity in the outdoors and in conservation, including by celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and recognizing and working to address past injustices and barriers to equitable access.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume in the form below. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Questions regarding the application may be submitted via email to Rebekah Morrisson, Field Operations Coordinator at rebekahmorrisson@wildernessstewards.org
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.