Seasonal Horticulture and Forestry Technician

Job Title: Seasonal Horticulture and Forestry Technician (Emerald View Park)

Reports to: Senior Manager of Ecological Restoration

Work Status: Part-Time, Seasonal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy (PPC) Mission Statement

Improving the 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.

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 a Seasonal Horticulture and Forestry Technician. This is a field-based position (90%) responsible for work relating to management and maintenance of ecological restoration sites, landscape trees, and park gardens; tasks and priorities will shift as the weather and growing conditions change. This position will be assigned specifically to projects in Emerald View Park (EVP). This park extends through the Mt. Washington, Duquesne Heights, and Allentown neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, and at over 240 acres is one of the city's five regional parks.

This candidate will be expected to work 24 hours per week for 25 weeks from May through October in 2024, with an anticipated start date of May 13. The expectation is that the selected candidate will work three (3), eight (8) hour shifts per week. This position is compensated at $18/hour but is not eligible to participate in the PPC's employee benefit plans.

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 those hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform general ecological restoration management duties, including but not limited to:

• Identify and remove invasive plants
• Maintain the structural integrity of deer exclusion materials
• Facilitate improved growth conditions for native plants establishing in restoration sites

• Perform general horticultural maintenance duties including, but not limited to:

• Identify and remove weeds from garden beds
• Mulch and maintain edges of garden beds as needed
• Collect litter and trash within and around garden spaces

• Perform maintenance and evaluation of trail conditions

• Assist in leading volunteer work events to accomplish work objectives
• Provide input, recommendations, and support in the development of management plans that address annual and ongoing site maintenance
• Positively represent the Conservancy when interacting with city departments, partner organizations, community groups, and park users
• Collect and report data to track the work accomplished
• Report out conditions, findings and other relevant park and project focused information to PPC Senior Manager of Ecological Restoration and/or other team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with native plants and ecosystems of Southwestern Pennsylvania
• Knowledge of ecological stressors and invasive species in the Pittsburgh region
• Willingness to engage and work with diverse volunteer groups
• Ability to perform physical and repetitive tasks in sometimes challenging weather conditions
• Ability to manage time and determine priorities based on current conditions and overall objectives
• Strong communication skills
• Passionate about promoting accessible and beautiful public parks, healthy ecosystems, and environmental sustainability

Preferred Experience and Education

• Experience with invasive plant management
• Experience stewarding gardens and horticultural sites
• Experience with arboricultural tree care best management practices
• At least three months experience working in a land management role or outdoor environment
• First Aid and CPR certification required (trainings can be provided if not already acquired)

Other Requirements

• 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 Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 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, or veteran status.