Field Crew Member
About the Job
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 November
Status: Temporary/Seasonal
Compensation: $15.00 per hour
Position Supervisor: Field Program Manager
Location: Asheville, North Carolina or Sugar Grove, Virginia (depending on crew openings)
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. After training, Field Crew Members work 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.)
Season Schedule
Our crews work 8 days out in the field and then get 6 days off.
Remaining work dates:
September 21-28 (29-4 off)
October 5-12 (13-18 off)
October 19-26 (27-31 off)
November 1-10 (end of season)
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.
Benefits
Crosscut saw certification (depending on hiring timeline)
First Aid and CPR certification (depending on hiring timeline)
Food stipend is provided during work hitches ($10/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
Qualifications
Enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, environmental conservation, public lands, and the Southern Appalachian landscape.
Commitment to learning and acting on SAWS’ Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program and dismantling racist systems and barriers to access to public lands.
Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 65lbs or more.
Ability to work in a remote and primitive setting with diverse groups of people.
Desire to make a difference for the surrounding landscape and communities.
Resources
Personal protective gear
Tools and equipment
Some camping gear available to borrow
SAWS uniforms
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion library
Wilderness guidebooks and site-specific resources
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 Program Manager at rebekahmorrisson@wildernessstewards.org
Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.