Chainsaw Crew Technician at Trout Unlimited

Greeneville, Tennessee, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Jan, 26

Salary

18.0

Posted On

10 Oct, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Chainsaw Operation, Grip Hoists, Hand Tools, Teamwork, Communication, First Aid, CPR, Tree Felling, Trail Maintenance, Tree Identification, Fish Habitat Knowledge, Hydrology Knowledge

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description POSITION SUMMARY 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, 6-person crew (1 Crew Leader, 1 Assistant Crew Leader and 4 Technicians) to conduct this habitat improvement through strategic wood addition. This work requires the use of chainsaws, grip hoists and other hand tools to selectively place trees into stream channels. 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 work on the North Zone of Cherokee National Forest. Most work locations will be within 1.5 hours of the crew’s base location. The expected start date will be 12 January 2026 and the season will run through 24 April 2026. 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 and each crew member will receive a $150 footwear allowance. Technicians will work 40 hours per week, typically 10-hours per work day. The schedule may vary based on work location and crew input, likely varying between 4 days on, 3 days off and 8 days on, 6 days off. Depending on work location and weather, the crew may elect to camp near the project site during the work hitch. Technicians will be paid $15 - $18 per hour, depending on experience and skillset. Housing will be available at no cost to crew members and work vehicles will be provided for daily travel. 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. 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. Requirements REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrable experience using chainsaws in moderately complex situations. Any level of USFS Sawyer qualification or equivalent (e.g., Game of Logging Levels 1 & 2). 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 starting employment. Willing to work long days in challenging environments. Excellent communication skills. A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment. 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. Trail maintenance or construction experience. Tree ID skills. Knowledge of fish habitat and/or basic hydrology.

Responsibilities

Technicians will use chainsaws and other tools to place trees into streams to create aquatic habitat. They will work as a team, maintaining equipment and ensuring safety while traversing difficult terrain.