Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) is looking for individuals with enthusiasm for public lands to join our team.

Position Title: Field Crew Member

Position Duration: ASAP to October

Status: Temporary/Seasonal

Compensation: $15.00 per hour

Position Supervisor: Field Operations Coordinator

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Position Summary

Field Crew Members will work on a crew of 6, comprised of a Field Crew Leader, an Assistant Field Crew Leader, and 4 Field Crew Members. Field Crew Members will complete 2 weeks of orientation followed by 10 weeks working on multiday, remote field projects for up to 9 days at a time. Field crews may address projects such as, but not limited to:

• Trail relocations

• Rockwork construction

• Erosion control (installation of water bars, grade dips, log or stone steps, etc.)

• Mitigating campsite impacts

• Reestablishing trail tread

• Brushing trail corridors and removing downed trees

• Baseline species data collection

• Non-native and invasive species removal

• Public education (Leave No Trace, bear safety and awareness, wilderness education, etc.)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete field crew member training which may include trail construction, trail maintenance, backcountry camp set up and procedures, Leave No Trace ethics, and backpacking skills.

• Work with crew leaders to effectively complete critical backcountry stewardship projects.

• Assist in developing and maintaining effective, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff, and partner organization volunteers.

• Create media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.

• Follow and practice SAWS organizational policies in the field.

• Hike into, camp, and work in backcountry settings, more than a mile from a vehicle or trailhead.

• Maintain a safe, positive, and fun working environment where everyone feels welcome and their contributions are valued.

• Maintain high standard levels for project completion.

• Fall season Crosscut Saw Certification

• Food stipend is provided during work hitches ($9/day)

• May qualify for Public Land Service Corps (PLC) hiring authority (eligibility requirements exist)

• Opportunities for professional network growth

• Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals

• Sick time accrual

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.

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.