Seasonal Field Technician

Job Overview

Title: Seasonal Field Technician

Starting Salary Range: $21.10/per hour Location: Based out of Chattanooga, TN Status: Full-Time, Seasonal, Non-Exempt

Season Dates: May-November 2026. Exact dates TBD

Benefit Eligible: Health benefits, Paid Time Off, and Uniform Budget

Reports to: Program Director

Posting Period: Please apply before March 31, 2026.

Purpose—About Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC):

Empowering youth and adults to cultivate compassion, responsibility, and life skills through community service, hard work, and land stewardship.

SECC, a program of Conservation Legacy, is a non-profit AmeriCorps program. We engage youth (age 15-17) and young adults (ages 18-30, up to 35 for veterans) in service projects on public lands throughout the Southeast. SECC collaborates with land management agencies (United States Forest Service, National Park Service, State Parks, local municipalities, and non-profits) to host day or overnight camping crews and individual placements.

Our AmeriCorps positions provide impactful educational and service opportunities that benefit both communities and landscapes. SECC’s participants reflect the population of the southeast region, including youth, graduates, veterans, and individuals from various ethnic and economic backgrounds.

Position Summary:

The Field Technician’s primary role is to provide leadership, technical, and logistical field support to all SECC conservation crews. The position requires a significant field presence to assist crews with project needs, program logistics, and planning, as well as facilitating field trainings. Most of the Field Technicians time will be spent in the field which will include camping overnight and driving to multiple work sites across the Southeast region, including, but not limited to, TN, GA, KY, MS, FL, and SC. Field time will consist of day crew visits in close proximity to the SECC office and overnight visits to camping crews. Overnight visits may be inclusive of weekend travel. The schedule will be highly variable for this position and is based on dynamic organizational needs. This individual will be expected to work as a member of a team and independently.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions:

Field Support:

• Maintain a consistent staff presence in the field, including frequent overnight stays to assist in managing on-the-ground project quality and quantity
• Serve as technical expert and advisor on projects as needed, aligning project details with partner/agency standards and specifications
• Maintain strong working relationships with a diverse array of land managers including pre-site visits as needed
• Enforce and exemplify all SECC, Conservation Legacy, and agency policies and procedures while in the field and at office/shop
• Assist in the planning and implementation of Crew Leader and Crew Member trainings
• Serve as substitute on crews as needed
• Support, coach, mentor and supervise members and leaders in both technical and interpersonal work
• Facilitate behavior improvement and disciplinary procedures as needed

Shop and Vehicle Support

• Assist in Maintaining SECC shop space to operate efficiently, including tracking and repairing hand and power tools.
• Assists in the facilitation in rig-ups and de-rig events and procedures as needed
• Assist in tracking, maintaining, and purchasing tools and field equipment
• Assist in the management and maintenance of SECC’s vehicle and trailer fleet
• Assist Field Operations Staff in tracking established annual budget for field-related resources
• Assist with food purchasing for crews when needed
• Assist with other general duties as needed or assigned by supervisor

Staff Support

• Collaborate with the SECC Program Operations Team to train, mentor, and supervise a broad scope of corps members and crew leaders across SECC programs
• Assist SECC staff in identifying and developing an internal talent pool for future leadership positions inside and outside of SECC
• Assist SECC Program Operations Team in the implementation of crew leader and corps member trainings including technical work, protocols, leadership, and facilitation skills
• Serve as a responder to field emergencies
• Be a role model and mentor throughout training and field seasons
• Work with other SECC staff on pressing projects as needed
• Collaborate with other program staff to ensure proper resources are provided to crews in the field

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must hold current advanced medical certification (Wilderness First Aid or above) with CPR/AED
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising crews and facilitating the completion of high-quality conservation projects related to trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, fuels management, etc
• Must hold a National Sawyer Chainsaw Certification Level A felling, bucking, limbing
• Successfully engages, leads, and supports a positive work environment for all within the organization and the communities we serve.
• The ability to carry out assigned work independently or with minimal supervision
• Technical competence in dry stone masonry, full bench trail construction, fencing, invasive species removal, chainsaw operations, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor young adults working in remote outdoors settings performing arduous physical labor
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment with variable scheduling and frequent problem-solving
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of staff, partners, and members
• Minimum of educational experience: prior experience working for and supervising others within a conservation corps, land management agency or natural resource management organization focused on similar work and member development
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record
• Must be able to pass the organization’s criminal history check requirements
• Must pass Conservation Legacy’s criminal history checks
• Experience with SECC or other conservation corps or youth corps
• Have a friendly, approachable disposition

Preferred Qualifications or Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:

• Experience with tool maintenance, including rehandling and basic chain saw engine repair
• Experience teaching, facilitation, and team-building experience with diverse groups of people
• Proficient in computer programs, databases, other technology; ability to manage data in an organized, consistent, and timely manner.
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference
• Current B Level certification on Chainsaw and/or crosscut based on current USFS standards – OR willingness to learn
• Current or recent herbicide applicator or supervisor license OR direct experience working with and applying herbicides in the field

Substance Free:

In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in program activities and while on organization property.

To Apply:

Follow the link to complete the application. Upload a cover letter and a resume.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.