Position summary

The incumbent will be a full-time, partial year employee of The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), working 10 months per year in the Pisgah Ranger District (PRD) near Brevard, NC. The incumbent will assist in performing non-native invasive species (NNIS) surveys and eradication, soil stabilization, tree planting, and other duties as needed. Work will be located in the PRD and will be planned and performed in collaboration with TPC and U.S. Forest Service employees, and potentially other PRD partners. Employee will report daily to the Pisgah Ranger Station and work out of the PRD Work Center. The employee will work 10 months per year, generally from March through December.

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive base salary for similar positions in both the nonprofit and government sectors ($38,000 - $41,000 annually depending on candidate experience and qualifications)
• Eligible for compensation increases based on performance at annual employee evaluation process
• Eligible for full-time employee benefits including:
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • Health, dental, vision, and life Insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer match

Knowledge and skills

The incumbent must:

• Have knowledge of, and experience in NNIS management operations including inventorying, monitoring, and treatment/control of targeted non-native invasive species
• Have experience working with crew members and/or volunteers in NNIS management methodologies while maintaining a safe work environment for fellow workers and forest users
• Have experience in handling, mixing, using and storing herbicide for NNIS projects and the regular maintenance, decontamination, and organization of all tools, gear, and equipment used in NNIS operations
• Have some experience operating and maintaining small engines and pumps, i.e. high-volume sprayers, brush cutters, and chainsaws
• Have ability to maintain focus on safety and risk management both on a personal and group level, including the safe and effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Follow work plans established by TPC and the U.S. Forest Service for NNIS treatments
• Have ability to keep detailed and accurate records of NNIS treatments
• Have experience using GIS software, GPS units, and mobile apps (e.g. Field Maps, Survey 123, Avenza) to collect data in the field and upload to shared ArcGIS maps
• Have knowledge of and ability to identify southern Appalachian plant species including both native plants and common NNIS
• Have knowledge of erosion control techniques, live staking, seed mixtures, and associated materials
• Have the ability to maintain a positive work environment and effectively manage potential conflict among crew members. This includes fostering good working relationships with U.S. Forest Service employees, forest users, and volunteers
• Have initiative, drive, and energy
• Have ability to work independently and retain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a pickup truck to be used for hauling equipment, trailers, chippers, and other materials for conducting NNIS work
• Be able to help determine work requirements, resources and materials needed to implement project objectives effectively
• Have a commitment to exceptional work product (quality and quantity), completed on time
• Have experience working successfully with a large federal land management agency (i.e. the U.S. Forest Service)
• Be able to pass a background check in order to have open access to a federal facility

Preferred additional knowledge and skills

• North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s Certification*
• U.S. Forest Service Chainsaw Certification - Class B Sawyer*
• First Aid/CPR Certification*
• Experience using GIS applications such as ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, Survey 123, Avenza, etc.
• Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder Certification

*These certifications will be provided and required after 4-5 months in the position

Education requirements

• A.S. or B.S. in a Natural Resources field (preferred)

Physical demands

The incumbent routinely lifts, pushes, pulls and carries items weighing 50 to 100 pounds, and occasionally up to 500 pounds, using mechanical leveraging tools. Work will routinely require walking 4-15 miles over rough and uneven terrain sometimes in remote locations. This position is physically demanding and requires enthusiasm and motivation to handle those demands.

Work environment

The employee will report to the Pisgah Ranger Station / PRD Work Center, but most of the work will be performed in a mountainous, forested environment where the terrain may be steep, uneven, rocky, wet, and covered with thick and tangled vegetation. Work will often occur in inclement weather (rain, snow, freezing temperatures or temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Local rainfall exceeds 80 inches annually and is a regular companion in working on the Pisgah. Work will consist of regularly working with a variety of herbicides which will be done utilizing the proper safety mitigations. Work requires the use of safety equipment (PPE) such as boots, gloves, goggles, chaps, and hardhats. The employee will comply with all U.S. Forest Service protocols in performing the requirements of this position. Field work will consist of approximately 90% NNIS management and 10% erosion control / streambank restoration. Other duties not listed in the description may be assigned.

Work hours

The position will work 40 hours per week reporting to the Pisgah Ranger Station / PRD Work Center.

About The Pisgah Conservancy

The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2015. Our mission is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to provide key resources for the benefit of Pisgah and its visitors for generations to come.

Our support of the Pisgah Ranger District primarily falls into these categories:

• Recreation support, including trail maintenance and repair
• Watershed improvement
• Invasive plant removal
• Trash clean ups and graffiti removal
• Habitat improvement
• Visitor information and education

To learn more about our work, please visit: https://pisgahconservancy.org/