Summary
The Native Habitat Manager is responsible for implementing and managing Appalachian
Headwaters native habitat education, maintenance, and restoration projects. Appalachian
Headwaters currently owns 900 acres of legacy forest and pastureland in various states of
restoration. The acreage will likely increase in the future.
Appalachian Headwaters’ mission is to conduct environmental education and ecological
restoration. Our new educational facilities include large and small meeting spaces and a teaching
lab. A successful applicant will have a strong environmental ethic, a deep understanding of the
interaction between climate change and native Appalachian ecology, and the ability to
communicate with students and the public. The Native Plant Manager will work with the
Director of Ecology and the Native Plant Program Manager closely on all aspects of ecological
planning, monitoring, and habitat management as well as with college and high school interns.
Knowledge of plant relationships with native pollinators is also important.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Help plan and assist with conducting environmental education programming.
- Work with Plant Program Manager to select seed and plant species appropriate to
restoration sites.
- Manage a small team of restoration technicians in the implementation, monitoring
and maintenance of restoration and site maintenance efforts including site
preparation, planting, soil health, and forestry improvement strategies
- Assist with pre-and-post restoration field site monitoring, plant species inventories,
and ecological habitat restoration planning /implementation in coordination with the
Director of Ecology, other partners, and staff
- Assist in the creation of habitat improvement and management plans
- Create and maintain an information base utilizing GIS and other mapping tools to
map habitats/restoration needs/planning projects
- Provide mentorship to high school and undergraduate level interns providing
guidance, educational opportunities and technical training
- Responsible for leading invasive plant management including removal and native
seeding.
- Assist in the creation and maintenance of trail systems on Appalachian Headwaters’
properties
- Assist in public/community outreach and educational programming with the ability to
effectively communicate with scientific and non-scientific audiences
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher required in Ecological Restoration, Natural Resource
Management, Forestry, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a
related field. Candidates with an MS or PhD, and/or significant experience will be
eligible for higher salary.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as work with diverse
people and to build partnerships within the local community
- Ability to solve problems and think creatively to develop and implement habitat
management plans, restoration initiatives, and educational programming
- Knowledge of impacts of climate change on Appalachian ecosystems
- Experience operating and maintaining power tools, UTVs, mowers/tractors, and
trailering equipment a plus, but not required
- Experience with ecological restoration principles, methods, and practices, including
engineering design/construction concepts.
- Experience with natural resource management issues relevant to the conservation of
native plants and pollinators in Appalachia as well as familiarity with plant species
native to Central Appalachia
- Enthusiasm, passion, and a strong work ethic for working with a small team in a rural
West Virginia community
- Strong written and oral communication skills
To Apply:
Please send the following documents as a single PDF to Dr. Merri Collins at
[email protected] with Habitat Restoration Specialist in the subject line.
Applications must be received by 3/3/25 for full consideration. Applicants from diverse
backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If you feel you meet most, but not all, of the above
qualifications, you are encouraged to apply.
A cover letter describing how your work experiences have prepared you to successfully
complete the position duties outlined here, as well as why you feel you would be a good fit for
this position and the soonest date you would be available to begin work.
Current CV or Resume with a list of three professional references
Salary Range: 55K-85K annually based on educational credentials and experience. Job includes
benefits including medical insurance and 10% match for 401K contributions.
