Wilderness Ranger - Monongahela
Positions Open: 2
Position Duration: Mid May 2023 - Early September 2023
Status:Temporary/Seasonal
Compensation: $17/hour
Position Supervisor: Wilderness Program Manager
Location: One position based in Petersburg, WV and one position based in Marlinton, WV
Application Deadline: Application will remain open until position is filled
Position Summary
SAWS is hiring two rangers on the Monongahela National Forest in 2023. One ranger will be based out Petersburg, WV and another out of Marlinton, WV. Rangers will conduct basic trail maintenance, collect wilderness data, recruit and lead volunteers, and engage with visitors. Wilderness trail maintenance will include clearing downed trees, corridor brushing, and removing trash from the trails to ensure trails conform to Forest Service standards. Data collection may include recreation site inventories, solitude monitoring, and other data collection as defined by the ranger district and SAWS. Wilderness Rangers regularly engage with visitors on topics that may include wilderness ethics and Leave No Trace education, bear safety and canister use, landscape orientation, safety awareness, and information about the natural environment such as local plants, animals, and geology. The Rangers will recruit and host volunteer workdays and work with local volunteer groups to maintain wilderness trails and collect data. Throughout the season, the Rangers will develop and maintain strong, positive relationships with the U.S. Forest Service, nearby partner organizations, and local businesses on behalf of SAWS.
Forest Service housing is available but not provided, must be coordinated with FS personnel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Complete Wilderness Stewardship Performance deliverables (data collection and monitoring).
Collaborate with US Forest Service staff and partners on project work.
Plan, recruit, and lead volunteer projects in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service.
Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation.
Model and practice Leave No Trace principles in the field.
Follow SAWS’ policies and procedures in the field.
Maintain an inclusive, safe, fun, and positive working environment.
Maintain high standards for project completion.
Interact with visitors in ways that create a welcoming environment.
Leave No Trace Course
Crosscut Saw Certification
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training
Wilderness 101 course
Wilderness Stewardship Performance training
Training and Work
Benefits
Opportunities for professional networking
Sick time and wellness accrual
Opportunities for pro-rated gear deals
Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
Qualifications
Enthusiasm for the SAWS mission and values.
Strong desire to learn about federally designated wilderness, wilderness character, and natural resource management.
Ability to learn quickly.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Motivated and self-starter.
Ability to complete deliverables with minimal supervision.
Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience collecting, organizing, and entering data.
Experience summarizing data and writing reports.
Comfortable navigating and hiking independently in the backcountry with a pack over rough terrain in areas with no or limited cell coverage.
Ability and desire to work and camp in a remote and primitive setting.
Personable and comfortable talking to the public.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and backpacking/camping gear.
Current First aid and CPR Certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
Additional Helpful Qualifications
Knowledge of Leave No Trace principles including backcountry camp and travel practices.
Knowledge or experience with trail maintenance and/or traditional tool use.
Experience with the ESRI Field Maps, Survey123, and ArcGIS software.
College degree or professional experience in environmental studies, natural resources, outdoor recreation, or a related field.
Knowledge of natural resources of the region.
About Us
Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes. We provide stewardship to protected public lands in the Southern Appalachian region, including 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 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 together as one combined document using the following naming format LASTNAME_Monongahela_2023. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Questions regarding the application may be submitted via email to the Wilderness Program Manager, Kristina Macaulay, at kristinamacaulay@wildernessstewards.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.