Job Title: Ecological Restoration Technician (Emerald View Park)
Reports To: Ecological Restoration Manager
Work Status: Part-Time, Temporary
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Organization OverviewThe mission of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) is to improve quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks in partnership with the community. PPC envisions a vibrant park system that is welcoming, accessible, and enjoyed by all.
Position Overview
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is seeking a motivated and passionate individual to join the Horticulture and Forestry (H&F) team as an Ecological Restoration Technician (ERT). This is a primarily field-based position (approximately 90%) focused on the management and maintenance of park trees and ecological restoration sites. Responsibilities will shift based on seasonal conditions, weather, and project needs.
This role will support projects within Emerald View Park (EVP), a 240+ acre regional park spanning the Mt. Washington, Duquesne Heights, and Allentown neighborhoods.
This position is scheduled for 24 hours per week, typically across three 8-hour shifts. Compensation is $18/hour.
- Projected Start Date: May 4, 2026
- Projected End Date: October 16, 2026 (approximately 24 weeks)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform invasive plant management, including hand-pulling, digging, cutting, and herbicide application (under supervision of state-certified staff)
- Conduct general arboricultural maintenance, including watering, mulching, and maintaining tree protection systems
- Monitor and maintain existing restoration sites
- Lead volunteers during planting and stewardship events
- Support development of restoration site management plans
- Collect and record field data to track work, inform planning, and support mapping efforts
- Represent PPC professionally when engaging with city departments, partners, community groups, and park users
Required Skills and Abilities
- Communicate clearly and effectively through verbal, written, and visual methods
- Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the ability to self-direct work
- Adapt to changing priorities, weather conditions, and field environments
- Follow and communicate PPC policies and procedures
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Build and maintain respectful, productive working relationships in a diverse environment
- Apply proper safety practices in accordance with established protocols
- Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic
Preferred Experience and Education
- Experience with arboricultural best management practices
- Field experience in invasive plant management
- Familiarity with native plants and ecosystems of Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Knowledge of regional ecological stressors and invasive species
- At least three (3) months of experience in land management or outdoor, public-facing work
- First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain; training provided if needed)
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including bending, lifting, and balancing
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend work (with adjusted scheduling)
- Valid driver’s license or government-issued ID and reliable transportation
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
- Successful completion of required background checks:
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA State Police Criminal Record Check
- Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. PPC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
