Forest Restoration Volunteer 

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES 

This position provides an opportunity to learn about current and future ecological restoration efforts on Fernbank's campus and help eradicate nonnative invasive species. In this position, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about native woodlands and also assist with restoration activities such as removing invasive plant species and replanting native plant species in forested areas. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Become versed in the local ecology of Fernbank Forest and the Piedmont region of Georgia  
• Assist in restoration activities including removing nonnative, invasive species (by hand and with tools) and possibly planting native species
• Maintaining trails throughout WildWoods and Fernbank Forest 

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPECTATIONS 

• Background and/or strong interest in restoration ecology, botany, gardening or horticulture in an outdoor setting 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Willingness to learn about the flora and fauna of the Georgia Piedmont 
• Compliance with museum policies and procedures 
• Must be able to work outdoors and walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to perform restoration activities (involves some lifting, bending, digging, working with tools, etc.) 

TRAINING/APPLICATION PROCESS 

Training will be held informally on a case-by-case basis throughout the year with “volunteer-to-volunteer shadowing” as a critical element. 

To apply, fill out a Forest Restoration Volunteer application and email it to: Forest@FernbankMuseum.org 

Fernbank's forest team will review all applications and contact selected applicants for an interview. After the interview process, a group of applicants will be invited to become Forest Restoration Volunteers. Should the applicant accept, they must sign an online waiver and self-screening questionnaire on the morning of each volunteer shift. Training will begin immediately with volunteer shifts beginning at various times throughout the year (currently on Mon/Wed/Fri from 10 a.m.-noon). 

TIME COMMITMENT 

Volunteers must work one two-hour shift with the program each month. Volunteer Forest Restoration Days will take place from 10 a.m.–noon on weekdays and generally on the second Saturday of the month throughout the year from 8 a.m.–noon.