Ecological Restoration Technician (Emerald View Park)

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy • Pittsburgh, PA

4d • $18

About The Position

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)

Requirements

• 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
• 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)

Nice To Haves

• 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)

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees