Part-Time Naturalist Educator

PPC Mission Statement:

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

Position Summary:

The Part-Time Naturalist-Educator position is a non-exempt, grant-funded position supporting the development and delivery of high-quality environmental education programs that advance people’s understanding of and connection to nature. The PPC education team serves learners of all ages, with this position focusing on engagement with middle and high school students in school day and after school settings. Our educators develop meaningful relationships with the students they serve, tailoring activities to connect to their interests and proactively supporting their voice and choice.

This position works an average of 16 hours per week.

Position Duties:

Performs under the general supervision of the Director of Education and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

• Co-lead in the planning and delivery of the Propel School Outdoors Club, a middle school program that includes sessions at Propel School sites and summer camps and regular visits to the Frick Environmental Center. Propel Outdoors Club meets in the afterschool hours, with educator working hours of 2:00-6:00pm, twice weekly, accounting for 50% of this position’s time.


• Serve as an educator in PPC’s suite of multi-visit K-12 school partner programs, with an emphasis on supporting the Ecosystem Investigators (ESI) program for 8th grade students and High School Urban EcoStewards (HSUES) program for high school students. An expectation of this position is that the educator will help with all or most of the HSUES sessions, ESI field sessions (fall and spring), and the spring ESI in-school sessions. These sessions meet 8:30-12:30 and account for approximately 35% of this position’s time.


• Attend and participate in weekly education staff meetings, weekly meetings of “Big Kid Team” educators, and training workshops scheduled throughout the year. Meetings and trainings account for approximately 15% of this position’s time.


• Optional opportunity to assist with public programs and other school programs as needed.


• Create a safe, supportive learning environment for all learners through positive reinforcement, role-modeling, and cultural sensitivity.


• Effectively and consistently assist with the internal tracking of program participation and outcomes.


• Work in office, classroom, and outdoor settings. Work is conducted at a variety of times of the day, with evening, weekend, holiday, and irregular hours occasionally necessary to meet deadlines and achieve objectives.

Skills and Ability to (position requirements at entry):

• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and in a team environment.


• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.


• Sincere respect for human diversity and biodiversity.


• Valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive work vehicles.

Training and Experience (position requirements at entry):

• Coursework or relevant work experience in ecology, biology, education, youth development or related fields.


• First Aid and CPR certification (must be obtained within 6 months of hire date).


• The following three background clearances are required: Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance; PA State Police Request for Criminal Records Check; Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI).

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform their essential duties.

• The physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, push, feel, grasp, lift, talk, see, hear, and perform repetitive motions. The ability to remain in a sitting or standing position for extended periods of time. The incumbent may be required to traverse rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces and to ascend and descend on ladders to access work areas.


• The ability to work outdoors in all seasons and adverse weather conditions.


• Occasional weekend, evening and holiday work is required to perform the duties of this job.


• The ability to lift loads of 50 pounds at park locations as it relates to restoration and Park projects (e.g., trees, rocks, sand, cement, etc.).