Conservation Positions

Open Positions

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge/US Fish and Wildlife Service - Davis, Tucker County, WV
Biological Technician - 2 Full time, One Year Positions
Robert Frank - Supervisor
Free on-site housing available

Serve a year in an ecosystem called “Little Canada.” Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is looking for 2 members to serve in a lush deciduous rainforest in the highlands of W.V. This position focuses on wildlife with a wide variety of biological studies duties including monitoring of bats, vernal pools, beaver dams, water quality, threatened and endangered native species, and non-native invasive plant species. Monitoring includes field surveys, and the GIS and data duties related to these studies. Members help organize and participate in tree planting and public lands improvement projects. In addition, members conduct outreach events, manage volunteers, help with visitor services, events and school group activities, and provide interpretive walks about the Refuge. Conservation degree with some field work experience expected. Love where you live and join our team in Canaan Valley, WV!

Skills Sought:

●Degree in a biological science field with preference for wildlife science/management and forestry.
●Ability to use computer technology to maintain and retrieve information from automated data systems, develop spreadsheets, and use word processing and statistical software programs in order to develop reports.
●Familiarity with geographic information system (GIS), aerial photography and survey techniques, and global positioning systems (GPS). Ability to communicate in writing in order to assist in the preparation of wildlife management survey summaries.
●Ability to provide work direction and guidance to volunteers. Ability to operate small water craft, cars, trucks and trailers.
●Ability to use various specialized tools and equipment required to conduct wildlife studies surveys. Ability to capture, handle, and tag or collar various wildlife.
●Ability to work doing strenuous activity for significant periods of time, often walking over rough terrain and in muddy conditions; on rough or uneven surfaces; wading through vegetation choked marshes, lifting and carrying heavy objects, and in many instances during difficult weather conditions.
●Collection survey data requires good vision and field work results in exposure to such things as: poison ivy insects, sun, wind, temperature variation and many varieties of pollen.
●Seasonal field studies involve considerable physical demands, such as frequent, extensive travel on foot; bending; crouching; and climbing; exertion from lifting and carrying equipment; and energy drain from cold, wet and windy weather.
●Must be in good physical condition and anticipate the demands of each field trip. Occasionally lifts containers weighing up to 35 pounds.
●Must be a hard worker that can work solo or in a team setting.

The Nature Conservancy - Elkins, Randolph County, WV
WV Land Stewardship Coordinator - Full time, One Year Position
Mike Powell - Supervisor

Positions are based out of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) office in Elkins, WV, from September 2025-August 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the field of conservation and lands management. This multi-disciplinary position will give candidates the opportunity to work as a team with TNC staff in both office and field work settings.

Skills Sought:

Ideal candidate will be curious about the natural world and eager to share knowledge and information with visitors, partners, donors, and others utilizing the TNC WV Preserve network as a backdrop and stepping off point. A background in natural resource management, earth and environmental science, communications, geography/GIS, and related fields are preferred. Experience using hand tools, hiking in a backcountry environment, plant and animal identification, trail maintenance, and similar experience are preferred.

United States Forest Service - Monongahela National Forest
2 Full time, One Year Positions

The U.S. Forest Service is a national land management agency whose mission is “Caring for the Land and Serving the People”. They are responsible for the management of wood, water, forage, wildlife, and recreation on the National Forests. Their mission includes a component of helping communities thrive economically. The Monongahela National Forest wishes to sub-sponsor a number of the AFHA-sponsored AmeriCorps members to do direct project work at U.S. Forest Service sites that will enhance tourism, adjacent communities, and natural resources.

This position will be the lead AmeriCorps member for assisting and advancing the Monongahela National Forest North or South Zone recreation program while supporting the Mon Forest Towns initiative and partnership. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work in trails, Wilderness areas, dispersed recreation, and developed recreation as well as helping to coordinate and implement the needs and desires between Mon Forest Towns and the North or South Zone of the Monongahela National Forest. This position focuses on achieving its missions and goals through outreach and stewardship activities.

Skills Sought:

The best candidate for this position has general knowledge of natural resources, a passion for improving MNF recreation sites, Wilderness areas, and trails, and a passion for connecting the local communities and towns to the Monongahela National Forest. The candidate will aid in planning and implementing trails, Wilderness, and recreation site maintenance and improvement projects. This includes, but not limited to, trail work-clearing, tread maintenance, reroutes, construction, and signage needs, Wilderness work-patrols, trail work, collection of visitor, trail, and campsite data, and educational outreach, and campground and dispersed campsite work-cleanup, mowing/weed eating, signage needs, and infrastructure improvements. The selected candidate is expected to organize and attend volunteer and community events in coordination and connection to Mon Forest Towns, as well as complete valuable public outreach to support the Mon Forest Towns mission.

The candidate for this position must be comfortable working in remote locations for up to 10-hour days completing physical labor with the possibility of hiking long distances. Prior back country recreating and work experience is a must, as is a positive attitude and a desire to maintain and improve these magnificent areas. The candidate must also feel comfortable organizing and speaking in front of groups. Previous public outreach and involvement is strongly encouraged. As is, familiarity with social media and other online public forums.

USFS - Marlinton, Pocahontas County, WV
South Zone Recreation Mon Forest Towns Coordinator - 1 Full time, One Year Positions
Kirsten Owens - Supervisor
USFS on-site bunkhouse style housing available

The South Zone of the Monongahela National Forest is comprised of the Gauley Ranger District and Marlinton/White Sulphur Ranger District. These ranger districts offer 100’s of miles of trail, many popular campgrounds and dispersed campsites, 3 Wilderness areas, 4 Mon Forest Towns, and many active partner and volunteer groups. The South Zone has endless recreation opportunities that attract visitors from all over. This position has the pleasure and chance to work across the South Zone making a positive impact on the ground and in the communities.

USFS - Petersburg and Parson, WV
North Zone Recreation Mon Forest Towns Coordinator - 1 Full time, One Year Positions
Morgan Rao - Supervisor

The North Zone of the Monongahela National Forest is comprised of the Greenbrier Ranger District and Cheat/Potomac Ranger District. These ranger districts offer 100’s of miles of trail, many popular campgrounds and dispersed campsites, 5 Wilderness areas, 8 Mon Forest Towns, and many active partner and volunteer groups. The North Zone has endless recreation opportunities that attract visitors from all over. This position has the pleasure and chance to work across the North Zone making a positive impact on the ground and in the communities.