Wilderness Ranger

Join our team: Do you have a strong work ethic and a desire to work in protected public lands? Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS) is hiring for the following positions.

Position Title: Wilderness Ranger

Positions Open: 4

Position Duration: 25 weeks – Starting mid-May

Status: Temporary/Seasonal

Compensation: $15/hour

Position Supervisor: Regional Program Manager

Locations: Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

About Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS)

We are a passionate and inclusive team of employees, volunteers, and supporters, dedicated to a mission of educating, cultivating, and empowering an engaged public for the stewardship of protected public lands. We pride ourselves on being a transformative conservation non-profit: for the resource, the individuals who work with us, federal land management agencies, and our local partners. SAWS was founded in 2010 to respond to a regional need for stewardship focused on federally designated wilderness. We work with the national forests in the mountain regions of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia to provide stewardship through our four program areas: trail crews, wilderness rangers, volunteers, and education.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, a Wilderness Ranger’s work may include, but is not limited to:

· Partner and public engagement and education (volunteer day leadership, Leave No Trace, bear safety and awareness, wilderness education, etc.)

· GPS mapping and data collection

· Recreation site inventory

· Trail condition assessment and survey

· Assessment of administratively provided facilities and regulations

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Collect, manage, and report field work output

· Coordinate with US Forest Service staff on project work

· Assist SAWS staff in developing and maintaining strong, positive relationships with US Forest Service personnel, partner organization staff, and partner organization volunteers

· Craft and curate media (blogs, photography, video, etc.) to share for reporting and documentation

· Model and practice Leave No Trace principals in the field

· Follow and practice SAWS organizational policies in the field

· Maintain an inclusive, safe, fun, and positive working environment

· Maintain high standard levels for project completion

Qualifications

In addition to enthusiasm for the SAWS mission, you will have the following:

· Excellent interpersonal communication skills

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

· Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain for up to 10 miles per day while carrying 50 lbs or more

· Ability to spend up to 5 days at a time in the backcountry

· Knowledge of Leave No Trace ethics, including backcountry camp and travel practices

· Ability to work alone in a remote and primitive setting

· Experience with Trimble GPS units and ArcGIS software desired

· Desire to be a vibrant member of an enthusiastic working team and transformative non-profit organization

This position is eligible for Federal Resource Assistant Hiring Authority. To learn more, CLICK HERE.

To Apply Please submit a cover letter and resume online at www.wildernessstewards.org/employment-application. Questions regarding the application for Tennessee positions may be submitted via email to David Cohen, Program Manager, at davidcohen@wildernessstewards.org or to Eric Giebelstein ericgiebelstein@wildernessstewards.org for questions about the positions in West Virginia.

SAWS is an equal opportunity employer and provides a drug-free workplace.