NC Seasonal Crew - Field Crew Member
Apply Below
About the Job
Position Duration: May 4 to End of October
Status: Temporary/Seasonal
Compensation: $17.00/hr paid every two weeks
Training Schedule: Training is anticipated to cover about three weeks starting May 4. Training is expected to occur Monday-Friday but may change as schedule requires.
Hitch Schedule: 8 days working, 6 days off (8 10-hour days) with potential at the end of the season to require 10 days working, 4 days off (10 8-hour days). Exact schedules will be finalized later in the spring.
Location: Based out of Asheville, North Carolina and will primarily work in Western North Carolina
Supervisor: Crew Leader
Crew Structure: One Crew Leader, one Assistant Crew Leader, fou Crew Members
Hiring Timeline: Positions will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Four Field Crew Members will work under supervision of a Field Crew Leader and an Assistant Field Crew Leader while camping and working on remote projects with limited to no cell service. Crews are expected to backpack and live in physically demanding, remote environments for at least 8 (and sometimes 10) days at a time. Conditions of this environment may vary significantly including freezing temperatures, high humidity, persistent rain, and high elevation. The remote nature of our work may mean delayed access to medical care. Crew Members should have good communication skills and judgment, an ability to be trained in the field, professionalism, initiative, willingness to learn, ability to express needs and concerns, emotional maturity and resilience, resourcefulness, and comfort in the outdoors with minimal contact to others while on hitch.
A typical work hitch includes meeting at the SAWS office, 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 office, cleaning gear, tools, vehicles, and preparing for the next hitch.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Duties are done under supervision of the Crew Leader and Assistant Crew Leader
Complete field crew member training
Work with crew leaders to effectively complete critical backcountry stewardship projects while maintaining high standards for project completion
Assist in developing and maintaining effective, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff, and partner organization volunteers
Backpack, camp, and work in physically demanding, remote environments for at least 8 (and sometimes 10) days at a time in adverse weather
Help to maintain a crew cache of tools and equipment
Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques
Follow SAWS organizational policies in the field
Contribute to a safe, positive, and fun working environment
Use a variety of hand tools and understand complex rigging systems
Benefits
Food stipend is provided ($40/day) during hitches
May qualify for Public Land Service Corp (PLC) Hiring Authority certificate
Opportunities for professional network growth
Sick time accrual
Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals
Potential for Crosscut saw certification (level depends on proficiency)
Potential for First Aid and CPR certification
Holiday Pay
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 60lbs. or more.
Ability and desire to create a safe and inclusive work culture.
Knowledge about group dynamics and conflict resolution preferred.
Ability to live and work in a remote and primitive setting with the crew and with limited cell service or connection to friends and family.
Desire to be a member of a hard-working team and transformative non-profit organization.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
Must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to pass a background check.
Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Trail work and/or backpacking experience preferred.
About Us
SAWS sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. We provide stewardship to protected wild public lands in the Southern Appalachian region, including Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky. Founded in 2010, SAWS partners with federal land managers to provide shoulder-to-shoulder stewardship efforts and support for training, skill-building, and community engagement in trails, wilderness, and conservation needs. SAWS works to support safe access to public lands, preserve natural resources, and develop the next generation of conservation leaders. SAWS is headquartered in Asheville, NC with an office in Roanoke, VA and Johnson City, TN. Learn more about SAWS and what we do on our website.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume at the bottom of this page. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.
Questions regarding the application may be submitted to Taylor Horn, Field Coordinator, at taylorhorn@wildernessstewards.org
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.