Seasonal Urban Forestry Technician (Summer)

Job Title: Seasonal Urban Forestry Technician (Summer)
Reports to: Senior Manager of Ecological Restoration
Work Status: Part-Time, Seasonal
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) Mission Statement
Improving the quality of life for the people of Pittsburgh by restoring the park system to excellence in partnership with government and the community. Projects and programs are conducted with respect for the environment, historic design, and the needs of our diverse region.
Position Overview
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) is seeking a passionate and motivated individual to join the organization's Horticulture and Forestry (H&F) team as a Seasonal Urban Forestry Technician (Summer). This is a field-based position (90%) responsible for work relating to management and maintenance of park trees and park restoration sites; tasks and priorities will shift as the weather and growing conditions change. The PPC's H&F team is active in 16 parks throughout the City of Pittsburgh, and the Seasonal Urban Forestry Technician will be asked to assist with work in several of these parks throughout the course of the term of employment.
This person will be expected to work 24 hours per week for 15 weeks from May to August in 2024 with an anticipated start date of May 6. The expectation is that the selected candidate will work three (3), eight (8) hour shifts per week. This position is compensated at $18/hour but is not eligible to participate in the PPC's employee benefit plans.
This is a grant funded, temporary position supporting the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance funded through the US Forest Service and the Inflation Reduction Act. Additional information about the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance can be found here.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform general arboricultural maintenance tasks, including but not limited to watering, mulching, pruning, and maintenance of tree protection materials
• Perform general invasive species management tasks as needed, at established ecological restoration sites and throughout park woodlands
• Coordinate and lead volunteer events to accomplish work objectives
• Assist H&F team in various planting projects and other initiatives
• Provide input and support in the development of management plans that address site maintenance
• Positively represent the Conservancy when interacting with city departments, partner organizations, community groups, and park users
• Collect and report data to track the work accomplished

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with native plants and ecosystems of Southwestern Pennsylvania
• Knowledge of ecological stressors and invasive species in the Pittsburgh region
• Willingness to engage and work with diverse volunteer groups
• Ability to perform physical and repetitive tasks in sometimes challenging weather conditions
• Ability to manage time and determine priorities based on current conditions and overall objectives
• Strong communication skills
• Passionate about promoting accessible and beautiful public parks, healthy ecosystems, and environmental sustainability

Preferred Experience and Education

• Experience with arboricultural tree care best management practices
• Experience with invasive plant management
• At least three months experience working in a land management role or outdoor environment
• First Aid and CPR certification required (trainings can be provided if not already acquired)

Other Requirements

• Work will be performed both independently and as part of a team, will occur outdoors in all weather conditions, and will sometimes require repetitive bending, lifting, or balancing motions.
• Occasional evening and weekend work might be required, but comparable time will be given off within the week to compensate for those hours.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license or government issued ID

• Successful completion of: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance; Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check; Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) (required before start date)

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.