Volunteer Coordinator
Apply Below
About the Job
The Volunteer Coordinator leads SAWS’ volunteer stewardship efforts across the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, engaging community members in meaningful, hands-on conservation work. This position recruits, trains, and supports volunteers while delivering high-quality trail stewardship projects that improve access, safety, and ecological health on public lands.
The Volunteer Coordinator plays a key role in building and expanding SAWS’ volunteer program, serving as an external partnership builder and ambassador for the organization. This role requires strong trail and recreation experience, excellent people skills, and a passion for wilderness stewardship and community engagement. The position also manages volunteer reporting and documentation required for federal grants and oversees various partnerships including the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen program during the summer season.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Volunteer Program Leadership
Build, manage, and grow a robust volunteer program that supports SAWS’ mission and stewardship priorities.
Recruit, train, and retain volunteers from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Plan, host, and lead regular volunteer stewardship days across multiple districts of the GWJeff National Forests, sometimes requiring multiple overnights
Serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable point of contact for volunteers, partners, and community members.
Trail Stewardship and Field Leadership
Lead volunteer projects focused on trail recovery and stewardship, including trash pick up, brushing, drainage clearing, education, and light trail maintenance projects.
Assess project needs and coordinate with SAWS staff and agency partners to plan appropriate volunteer work.
Ensure all field activities are conducted safely and in accordance with SAWS, Forest Service, and wilderness standards.
Provide hands-on instruction and education related to trail work, conservation ethics, wilderness stewardship, and outdoor recreation.
Training and Education
Develop and deliver volunteer training materials and on-site education related to public lands, trails, stewardship practices, and conservation values.
Support volunteers learning through mentorship, clear instruction, and positive leadership in the field.
Partnerships and Outreach
Build and maintain partnerships with local organizations, schools, universities, community groups, community businesses, and agency partners.
Represent SAWS at outreach events and meetings to promote volunteer opportunities and stewardship engagement.
Lead coordination and oversight of the U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen volunteer crew during the summer season.
Reporting and Administration
Track volunteer participation, hours, project outcomes, and accomplishments.
Complete all volunteer documentation and reporting required for federal grants and agreements.
Maintain accurate records to support program evaluation, funding requirements, and organization reporting.
Program Development and Initiative
Take initiative in building and refining volunteer systems, processes, and schedules.
Identify new opportunities to expand volunteer engagement and stewardship impact.
Work independently and collaboratively to grow the program over time.
Benefits
Salary range: $40,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Details available upon request.
Flexible work schedule, be prepared to work some weekends for volunteer events.
Qualifications
Required
Demonstrated experience in trail stewardship, trail maintenance, or outdoor recreation work.
Experience leading or working with volunteers, crews, or community groups in an outdoor or conservation setting.
Strong knowledge of public lands, trails, and wilderness stewardship practices.
Comfort providing training, instruction, and education related to conservation, trail work, and outdoor recreation.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage schedules, logistics, and multiple projects across districts.
Ability to track, document, and report volunteer hours and project outcomes accurately, including for federal grant reporting.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills with a friendly, approachable, and inclusive leadership style.
Self-motivated and able to take initiative in building and growing a program.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors in variable weather and terrain conditions.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between project sites.
Commitment to SAWS’ mission and values.
Preferred
Experience working with U.S. Forest Service or other public land management agencies.
Trail maintenance or stewardship certifications (e.g. crosscut saw, chainsaw, first aid, wilderness first aid, Leave No Trace).
Experience developing volunteer programs or leading long term volunteer initiatives.
Experience working with diverse communities and engaging volunteers from varied backgrounds.
Familiarity with federal grant requirements related to volunteer tracking and reporting.
Experience coordinating youth or student groups, including military or service academy programs.
*Any applicant who meets most of the qualifications is still encouraged to apply.*
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.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to marissaedwards@wildernessstewards.org with the subject line Volunteer Coordinator. Questions regarding the application may be submitted via email as well.
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
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