SUPPORT WRV
Technical Advisor: Providing Expertise to Support Restoration Work
Technical Advisors play a critical role in Wildlands Restoration Volunteers’ projects by sharing subject-matter expertise and ensuring restoration work is performed safely, effectively, and in alignment with ecological best practices. As a Technical Advisor, you support volunteers by offering guidance, instruction, and problem-solving in the field.
Technical Advisors collaborate closely with WRV staff, Project Leaders, and volunteer leadership teams to help plan and implement restoration activities. Your knowledge helps strengthen project outcomes while building volunteer confidence, learning, and stewardship.
What Is a Technical Advisor?
A Technical Advisor (TA) is a volunteer leader who brings specialized ecological, environmental, or technical knowledge to WRV projects. TAs provide on-site expertise to ensure restoration activities are appropriate for the site, align with project goals, and follow agency and WRV standards. Their role supports both the quality of the work and the learning experience of volunteers.
How Technical Advisors Make an Impact
Technical Advisors help shape the success of restoration projects by advising on techniques, tools, and site-specific considerations. They answer questions, demonstrate best practices, and help adjust plans as conditions change in the field. Through this guidance, Technical Advisors help ensure projects are safe, effective, and environmentally sound.
Responsibilities and Collaboration
Technical Advisors work alongside Project Leaders, Crew Leaders, Tool Managers, and agency partners to support project planning and implementation. They may assist with site assessments, help develop work plans, and provide real-time guidance during project activities. TAs also support post-project reflection by helping evaluate outcomes and lessons learned.
Background, Training, and Preparation
Technical Advisors typically bring professional or hands-on experience in fields such as ecology, natural resource management, forestry, biology, or environmental science. Many TAs are agency staff, contractors, or experienced volunteers with specialized training. WRV provides orientation and works with Technical Advisors to ensure expectations, safety protocols, and project goals are clearly understood.
Commitment and Involvement
Technical Advisors support projects as needed based on their availability and expertise. Some participate in a few projects per year, while others are involved more regularly. The role offers flexibility while providing meaningful opportunities to share knowledge, mentor volunteers, and contribute directly to the stewardship of Colorado’s public lands.
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Description
The Technical Advisor (TA) is a bridge between WRV and the land management agency for the technical aspects of the project.
Objectives
The TA works with the agency to co-create and/or clarify the technical goals of a project, creates a work plan for the project, and effectively communicates the technical needs of the project to the crew leaders.
Responsibilities
- Translate the scope of work into a project plan that includes determining the number of volunteers, crew assignments, and a recommended tool list.
- Communicate the technical requirements of the project to the project team and crew leaders through crew leader orientation and technical notes.
- Serve as the technical liaison between WRV and the land management agency.
- Undertake project-related design work as needed.
- Be considered for a specific project based on their subject matter or design related experience in a specific field such as ecological restoration, trails, or construction.
- Coordinate the work on project day.
- Ensure the project is completed to the standards of the agency and WRV.
- Mentor ATAs (Assistant Technical Advisors) as needed.
Background or Qualifications
Anyone desiring to be a TA should first be a qualified crew leader. It is also helpful to have a background in resource management, habitat restoration, botany, erosion control, ecology, hydrology, landscape architecture, or trail work but this is not mandatory.
Training and Preparation
Anyone desiring to be a TA should attend projects of the type for which they want to be a TA, become an assistant TA, and attend any TA training class that WRV offers. Each new ATA is matched with a TA mentor to enhance the learning experience.
Meetings and Site Visits
A TA attends an on-site orientation with the agency as well as any additional site visits prior to the project day; the number of visits depends on the complexity of the project. The TA coordinates and leads a crew leader orientation meeting prior to project day, writes technical notes, attends all project team meetings, and arrives at the project site one hour before the volunteers on project day.
Commitment
Technically lead at least one project per year.
Oversight
The TA will lead the design effort, lead the crew leaders, and work with the WRV project team and the land management agency. The TA will also evaluate the effectiveness of the design plan after the project.
Measures of Success
- A high-quality project that meets the mission of WRV
- Well written, concise, and usable technical notes
- Good technical design
- Good communication
- Satisfied agency personnel
- Happy, satisfied crew leaders and volunteers