Environmental

Website Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Job Title: Ecological Restoration Coordinator
Reports to: Ecological Restoration Manager
Work Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) Mission Statement
Improving quality of life for the people of Pittsburgh by restoring the park system to excellence in partnership with government and the community. Projects and programs are conducted with respect for the environment, historic design, and the needs of our diverse region.
Job Description
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) is seeking a motivated individual to help execute ecological restoration plans in the field, lead volunteers and seasonal staff, and work alongside full time staff to accomplish restoration goals. The Ecological Restoration Coordinator (ERC) should expect to work about 60-70% in the field, 30-40% in the office, and will help coordinate stewardship activities, engage with partners, report outcomes, and oversee maintenance + care of landscape trees in designated sites.
The ERC will work within the Horticulture and Forestry team at the PPC and will report directly to the Ecological Restoration Manager. The H&F team is a small but dedicated team of field-based practitioners working to deliver the organization’s mission-driven objectives related to land care in Pittsburgh’s parks.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ecological stewardship and arboriculture, be able to work independently, engage with diverse partners and stakeholders to plan and communicate expectations, lead groups in field-based stewardship activities (primarily related to invasive species management), collect data in the field, produce clear reports and maps of accomplished work, identify and prioritize objectives to further an over-arching goal, and creatively utilize available resources to maximize efficacy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Coordinate and lead seasonal staff and volunteers in invasive plant management work, including but not limited to hand-pulling, digging, cutting, and herbicide application
Coordinate and lead seasonal staff and volunteers in general arboricultural maintenance tasks, including but not limited to planting, watering, mulching, and maintenance of tree protection materials
Monitor and maintain existing PPC restoration sites
Lead work efforts toward the establishment of new restoration sites
Provide input and support in the development of restoration site management plans
Assist with development of grant proposals as needed
Collect field data for tracking work efforts, planning future projects, and creating public maps
Positively represent the Conservancy when interacting with city departments, partner organizations, community groups, and park users
Work with community partners in designated sites
Report on restoration completed through tracking documents
Preferred Experience and Education
A degree in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science (or related field), or two years of related work experience in ecological restoration / land stewardship
Experience with arboricultural tree care best management practices
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
Experience in a leadership role
Benefits:
The PPC offers the following benefits package to all full-time employees.
Health, vision, and dental insurance
Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability insurance offered at no-cost to employee
Aflac supplemental insurance
Twenty (20) paid vacation days and ten (10) paid company holidays
403(b) retirement savings program with up to 8% company match
Hybrid work model (when appropriate/feasible)
Professional development opportunities
Discount on PPC merchandise
Commitment to maintaining work-life balance, including offering comp time and flexible schedules as required
Other Requirements
Work will be performed both independently and as part of a team, will occur outdoors in all weather conditions and on rugged terrain, and will sometimes require repetitive bending, lifting, or balancing motions
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, but comparable time will be given off within the week to compensate
First Aid and CPR certification required (trainings can be provided if not already acquired)
The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle as incumbents are subject to local travel to and from work locations
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID
Successful completion of: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance; Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check; Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)
The PPC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.
To apply for this job please visit pittsburghparks.bamboohr.com.