Ecological Restoration Technician - Hays Woods

Job Title: Ecological Restoration Technician - Hays Woods
Reports to: Ecological Restoration Manager
Work Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) Mission Statement

Our mission at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is to improve quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks in partnership with the community, with a vision to facilitate a vibrant park system that is welcoming, accessible, and enjoyed by all.

Position Overview

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) is seeking a passionate and motivated individual to join the organization’s Horticulture and Forestry (H&F) team as an Ecological Restoration Technician (ERT). This is a field-based position (90%) responsible for work relating to management and maintenance of park trees and ecological restoration sites; tasks and priorities will shift as the weather and growing conditions change.

The PPC’s H&F team is active in 16 parks throughout the City of Pittsburgh and the ERT will be asked to assist with work in just one of those, Hays Woods Park. The ERT will be expected to work 24 hours per week, with a typical work week amounting to three (3), eight (8) hour shifts per week. This position is compensated at $18/hour and is not eligible to participate in the PPC’s employee benefit plans. The projected start date for this role is September 1st, 2025, and the projected end date is June 26th, 2026.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform invasive plant management work, including but not limited to hand-pulling,
digging, cutting, and herbicide application (under direct supervision of state-certified PPC staff)
• Perform general ecological restoration tasks, including but not limited to planting and watering of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, as well as maintenance of tree protection materials
• Monitor and maintain existing PPC restoration sites
• Lead volunteers in planting and stewardship events
• Provide input and support in the development of restoration site management plans
• 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
• Coordinate restoration work with community partners
• Occasional trail clearing of main corridors and pathways

Skills and Ability to (position requirements at entry)
• Clearly and effectively communicate through oral, written, and graphic communication styles
• Demonstrate creativity, initiative, and an ability to self-direct tasks as necessary to
accomplish project goals
• Proactively anticipate problems or opportunities, while also adapting to changing conditions and situations
• Understand and appropriately adhere to and communicate PPC policies and procedures
• Work cohesively within a team environment, adapt to changing conditions and situations, while also able to independently complete job tasks with minimal supervision
• Establish and maintain effective, respectful and productive working relationships in a diverse environment
• Apply and demonstrate proper safety/security practices according to established protocols, guidelines and policies
• Maintain strong work ethic and demonstrate flexibility

Preferred Experience and Education
• 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 months experience working in a land management role or outdoor environment in a public-facing role
• First Aid and CPR certification required (trainings can be provided if not already acquired)

Other Requirements
• Work will be performed both independently and as part of a team, will occur outdoors in all weather conditions, 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 for those hours
• 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.