Individual Placement - School Grounds Greening Fellow | Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
About The Position
The School Grounds Greening Fellow at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will engage in a full-time (40 hours/week) immersive experience with WPC’s Community Greening Department. This position supports the transformation of schoolyards and public spaces into vibrant, green learning environments. The Fellow will expand education and stewardship efforts tied to WPC’s School Grounds Greening Program and community flower gardens, with a focus on under-resourced urban areas. The role combines outdoor fieldwork and indoor coordination, offering a dynamic mix of environmental education, nonprofit experience, and volunteer engagement. This is a hands-on opportunity to inspire students, support greener communities, and gain valuable career experience. You will be a key member of WPC’s Community Greening Department, contributing directly to projects that bring environmental education and green infrastructure to life.
Requirements
- Pennsylvania Child Protection Clearances are required for this position.
- Driver's license and a willingness to drive WPC vehicles is required.
- Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
- Experience with outdoor work, environmental projects, gardening, landscaping, or conservation activities
- Ability to work safely and comfortably outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform outdoor physical work, including walking, bending, lifting, planting, and working in varying weather conditions.
- Experience or demonstrated interest in environmental conservation, environmental education, gardening, restoration, or community-based programming.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and schools is a plus.
- College coursework or a degree in environmental science, education, biology, ecology, sustainability, or a related field preferred.
Responsibilities
- Support the Education & Special Projects Coordinator with implementing school greening initiatives
- Utilize the community flower gardens program to provide educational opportunities to students outside of the traditional classroom
- Facilitate environmental education and hands-on learning sessions for students and student volunteer groups to support teachers and existing curriculum
- Provide field-based experiences in nature and opportunities for career awareness and exploration
- Help educate and engage an estimated 200 school-aged children through planting events and stewardship activities that highlight the benefits of native plants and healthy ecosystems
- Update and organize educational materials used in youth programming
- Assist with the design process for one new outdoor classroom at a school
- Provide volunteer management and support for community greening events in partner neighborhoods
Benefits
- Defensive Driving Training
- Interpretive Skills
Stand Out From the Crowd
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
