Crew Leader-New River Gorge National Park

LOCATIONS: New River Gorge National Park, WV (Housing Provided)
START & END DATES:  May 26th, 2025- August 14, 2025 (12 weeks)
WORK SCHEDULE: Full time
SUPERVISOR: Southeast Region Coordinator
COMPENSATION: $22.54/hour
Application DEADLINE: February 23, 2026

WHO WE ARE
The Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals, is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them.  

position description
The Forest Stewards Guild seeks a Crew Leader to manage and lead a 3-person technician crew in the New River Gorge National Park to complete forest management projects. Project work will focus on oak restoration and regeneration, primarily utilizing chemical methods (75-90% of fieldwork). The crew leader will be responsible for leading the crews in field work, logistics, risk management, administrative duties, project implementation, and team dynamics. The crew will often be required to work four 10-hour field days per week. The crew leader is critical to facilitating a positive experience for crew members. 

Crew Leader Duties Include:

• Model and enforce safe working conditions
• Lead, supervise, and mentor 3 crew members in natural resource management projects such as oak restoration
• Implement herbicide application to meet silvicultural goals
• Build and sustain a positive team and work culture
• Track and record project progress, crew hours, and herbicide usage.
• Maintain clear communication with Guild staff, agency partners, and crew to accomplish project goals
• Lead daily safety talks and oversee daily task assignments
• Ability to problem solve in the field
• Drive 4WD vehicles on rough roads
• Work in steep and uneven terrain during rough weather conditions
• Maintain equipment and tools

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Age requirement: 21
• Possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
• Experience in leadership, supervisory, or instructor position in conservation, outdoor education, or related field
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to make decisions to prioritize crew safety
• Strong ability to work independently, pay attention to details, provide organization, and remain flexible
• Physically fit and able to lift 75lbs, work long days in the field (sometime up to 14 hours) and walk with heavy loads on steep and uneven terrain while maintaining focus on supporting crew members.
• Experience performing similar or comparable conservation projects to those the crew will complete (invasive species management, vegetation management, trail work, ecological monitoring, etc.)
• Ability to identify common native and invasive trees in Appalachia
• Ability to work long days outdoors in variable weather conditions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1+ season’s experience leading natural resource management projects or outdoor education
• College degree or working towards a college degree in Natural Resources Field (e.g. jobshiringnearme.org Biology, Forestry, Wildlife Management)
• Familiarity in implementing silvicultural techniques (e.g. thinning, crop tree release, mid-story removal) using chemical methods (e.g. hack & squirt, cut stump, basal spray)
• Relevant Certifications (e.g. wilderness first aid, CPR)
• State Pesticide Applicators License or experience as a Registered Technician

COMPENSATION

• $22.54/hour
• Leave: Paid holidays, Sick leave, Paid Time Off
• The Guild provides an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting staff from underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports personal and job growth.

LOCATION

Project work in various locations in New River Gorge National Park (America’s newest National Park!). Housing located near Beckley, WV (30 min. to Fayetteville, WV). Transportation provided from housing to project locations. 

CONTACT US
Questions about this position can be directed to Chris DeFiore at cdefiore@forestguild.org

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

We believe in a workforce that reflects the strengths of all members of our community. The Forest Stewards Guild strives to create a collaborative, supportive, and respectful setting for all employees and partners. To meet this goal, we recognize and celebrate the wide range of differences that characterize our members, employees, partners, and collaborators. Indeed, it is those differences that enhance our organization and
help us to meet our mission and vision