Ecological Restoration Coordinator

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. 

Salary : $39,000 - $44,000