Job Title: Ecological Restoration Technician
Reports To: Ecological Restoration Manager
Work Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Organization Overview
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Mission Statement
The 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 field-based position (approximately 90%) responsible for the management and maintenance of park trees and ecological restoration sites. Responsibilities will shift based on seasonal conditions, weather, and operational priorities.
The H&F team is active in 16 parks throughout the City of Pittsburgh, and the ERT will support restoration and stewardship work across multiple PPC-managed park sites.
This position is expected to work 24–32 hours per week, typically over three to four 8-hour shifts per week. Compensation is $18/hour. This role is not eligible for PPC employee benefits.
- Projected Start Date: May 11, 2026
- Anticipated Funding Through: December 2027
- Continued employment is contingent upon grant funding.
This is a grant-funded position supporting the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance, funded through the U.S. Forest Service, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform invasive plant management, including hand-pulling, digging, cutting, and herbicide application under supervision of state-certified PPC 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 efforts, plan future projects, and support internal mapping
- Represent PPC professionally when engaging with city departments, partner organizations, 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 collaboratively within a team environment
- 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 tree care best management practices
- Field experience with invasive plant management
- Familiarity with native plants and ecosystems of Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Knowledge of ecological stressors and invasive species in the Pittsburgh region
- At least three (3) months of experience in land management or outdoor, public-facing work
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including repetitive bending, lifting, and balancing
- Availability for occasional evening and weekend work (with adjusted scheduling provided)
- First Aid and CPR certification required (training may be provided if needed)
- Valid driver’s license or government-issued ID and reliable transportation
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for local travel between work sites
- Successful completion of required background clearances:
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
- Pennsylvania 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.
