Southern Appalachians Saw Crew Technician

Downed wood material historically played a significant role in the creation of instream habitat for native trout. Due to unsustainable management practices, the wood component is missing from a significant number of high-elevation streams in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Trout Unlimited has partnered with Cherokee National Forest to introduce downed wood into key stream systems to restart the habitat creation process. Trout Unlimited is hiring a seasonal, 5- to 6-person crew to conduct this habitat improvement through strategic wood addition, utilizing chainsaws, grip hoists and other hand tools to selectively place trees into a stream channels. 

Chainsaw Crew Technicians will work as part of a team to conduct habitat improvement through strategic wood addition on select streams, utilizing chainsaws, grip hoists and other hand tools to selectively place trees into a stream channel. Technicians need to be safety minded, motivated, and open to learning new techniques and skills. The strongest candidates will have professional experience using chainsaws and/or trail building tools.

The position will be based out of Roan Mountain, TN in the North Zone of Cherokee National Forest. Most work locations will likely be within 1 hour of the base location, with a possibility of 1 to 2 week-long trips to north Georgia. The expected start date will be 06 January 2025 and the season will run through 26 April 2025. Work will require traversing difficult terrain while carrying field gear up to 50 pounds, potentially working in inclement weather. Personal protective equipment will be provided. 

Technicians will work 40 hours per week (typically four 10-hour days) and will be paid $15 - $18 per hour, depending on experience and skillset. Housing will be available at no cost to crew members and a work vehicle will be provided.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• With appropriate training and under the guidance of a crew leader, use tools (chainsaws, grip hoists, hand tools, pulleys, levers) to place trees into streams to create aquatic habitat.
• Transport gear (up to 50 lbs/crew member) daily over difficult terrain.
• Work as a team with a high degree of coordination and communication.
• Keep a positive attitude and follow directions while conducting physically demanding work, often in inclement weather.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor.
• Collaborate on field design and implementation of structures to enhance stream morphology.
• Operate in areas with no cellular service.
• Perform all duties with safety as top priority.
• Maintain a high level of integrity while on the job.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable experience using chainsaws in moderately complex situations.
• Experience using grip hoists, hand tools, pulleys, levers or other comparable tools.
• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.
• First Aid/CPR certification before start of employment.
• Willing to work long days in challenging environments.
• Strong communication skills.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment.
• A strong passion for native fishes and the watersheds upon which they rely.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives.
• Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with directional tree felling and cutting on steep slopes.
• Any level of USFS Sawyer qualification or equivalent (e.g., Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2).
• Trail maintenance or construction experience.
• Tree ID skills.
• Knowledge of fish habitat and/or basic hydrology.
• A strong passion for native fishes and the watersheds upon which they rely.

At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values.