Now Hiring:

Position: Conservation Technician
Type: Full-time Permanent
Start Date: No sooner than 10/1/23 and no later than 1/2/2024
Application Deadline: The position will be filled as soon as a highly qualified candidate is identified

Summary

Friends of the Cheat is a 501(c)(3) non-profit watershed association with offices in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia, working to restore, preserve, and promote the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed since 1994. Severely impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD), the Cheat River was once considered one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers. Today, work by a diverse group of partners has resulted in life returning to the Cheat River. Historically focused on treating acid mine drainage, FOC has expanded its scope of work to include other forms of conservation work, including dam removal, riparian restoration, Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) assessment and restoration projects, and sensitive species monitoring.  FOC also maintains public river accesses, plans and builds trails including the future Cheat River Rail-Trail, and hosts education and outreach events, including the annual Cheat River Festival and Snorkel Program.  Friends of the Cheat is seeking to hire a Conservation Technician under its Cheat River Conservation Program.   

The Conservation Technician is tasked with conducting all water quality monitoring and data collection activities within the Cheat River Conservation Program, is involved in ongoing restoration activities, and participates in some project management and organizational development at Friends of the Cheat.  The Conservation Technician is supervised by the Conservation Program Director.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the natural sciences
  • Strong ability to manage time efficiently and effectively
  • Strong planning and decision-making skills
  • Works well as part of an integrated team
  • Strong desire to contribute to the organization’s mission and surrounding community
  • Quick learner, highly self-motivated, well organized, able to work well independently
  • Experience securing, leading, and coordinating volunteer efforts or organizing crew members
  • Experience with landowner/partner relationship building
  • Competence with field and laboratory instruments
  • Experience writing technical reports, plans, or scientific papers
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint
  • Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
  • Able to navigate a vehicle on unmaintained back roads in a safe manner
  • Able to navigate to field sites using both physical and digital mapping tools
  • Able to carry at least 50 pounds and traverse steep terrain both on and off trail systems
  • Experience with moderate lifting, field work in non-ideal conditions, and field exploration
  • Familiarity with maintenance equipment (e.g., chainsaw, gas string trimmers, trash pumps)
  • Enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions and environments
  • Availability for evening and weekend meetings and events

    Compensation:

    • Annual salary starting at: $32,000
    • 14 paid holidays, 15 personal days
    • Health insurance (80% employer paid) and annual wellness stipend ($500)
    • Company vehicle available for work travel
    • Professional development expected and supported
    • Area has excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation: hiking, biking, paddling, camping, and fishing

    Interested applicants should e-mail a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to FOC’s Conservation Program Director, Madison Ball at madison@cheat.org.  Please include “Conservation Technician Application” in the subject line.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Friends of the Cheat will offer interviews as highly qualified candidates are identified.  

    Full Job Description

    FOC-Conservation-Technician-Full-Job-DescriptionDownload