Ecological Restoration Technician

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy • Pittsburgh, PA

3d • $18 • Onsite

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 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.
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.

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 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
• 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)

Nice To Haves

• 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

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

What This Job Offers

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