Community Greening - Field Staff

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations.

We are seeking a Community Greening Field Staff member to join the Community Greening team. This program is based out of our Pittsburgh office but the work takes place in the vibrant and colorful community flower gardens located in Downtown Pittsburgh, in prominent public places within neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County, and across the region.

This position reports to the Project Manager and performs a variety of tasks including supporting garden and tree planting and maintenance events, leading volunteers, completing landscaping work at community gardens and school grounds greening sites, and assisting with planning and logistics for volunteer events. They also provide support for data collection and management, photo documentation, and quality control measures for all departmental projects.

Job Duties

• Supports spring installation, summer maintenance, and fall cleanup of community garden projects in coordination with the landscaping team and community partners.
• Supports seasonal display installation of downtown planters and other greening projects and oversees regular maintenance for downtown partners.
• Leads volunteer activities for community flower gardens, community forestry and other program events.
• Assists the Conservancy’s Community Forester with urban forestry projects, including planning for tree planting and maintenance events, assisting with tree inventories and analysis reports, collecting and processing tree data, assisting with tree selection and planting site assessments, and other tasks as needed.
• Monitors and supports the outputs of project garden and tree planting volunteers, community groups, and contractors.
• Ensures that project operations are compliant with Conservancy policies particularly focusing on safety procedures.
• Performs summer maintenance tasks including, but not limited to: cutting grass, weeding flowerbeds, solving irrigation problems, monitoring pests, etc.
• Oversees maintenance of equipment and materials used for Community Greening Program projects.
• Ensures timely delivery of equipment and materials for scheduled volunteer activities.
• Identifies potential issues in the field and assists in problem solving.
• Represents and promotes the mission of the Conservancy with community groups and volunteers.
• Supports the Conservancy’s cost containment and fundraising needs as applicable.
• Collects field data for analysis.
• Assists in organizing and documenting information regarding community projects by photographing, measuring, and preparing related reports as requested.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including: long hours, evenings, and weekends as needed.

• Must be able to perform daily physical landscape labor, including occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to work outdoors for long periods of time in all weather conditions.

• Ability to drive a motor vehicle and have a valid driver’s license in order to drive to garden sites throughout western Pennsylvania.

• Ascends and descends stairways and/or ladders.

• Stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and exposure to adverse weather conditions.

• Communicate, converse, exchange information in-person, telephone, and remotely.

• Ability to utilize a keyboard.

• Gross manipulation such as seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).

• Ability to operate standard office equipment.

• To be mobile and traverse throughout job location for up to (8) hours.

• Pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to (50) pounds.

• Bending, twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, and crawling.

• Reaching overhead, at eye level, and below shoulder level.

• Ability to possess near, far, and peripheral visual acuity.

• Operating machinery, equipment, and/or power tools.

Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in landscaping techniques and services.

Horticultural degree and at least two years of horticultural training is preferred.

Background and/or strong interest in urban and community greening approaches are helpful.

Good organizational skills, strong initiative, ability to work well with others and the ability to work well independently.

Basic maintenance skills and minor carpentry skills are preferred.

Basic computer skills preferred, including MS Office.

To be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Location

This position's primary location(s): Headquarters - Pittsburgh Office (Pittsburgh, PA)

Position Duration

This is a full-time opportunity which includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Additional Details

Location: The position is based out of our Pittsburgh office but works in gardens located in Downtown Pittsburgh, neighborhoods throughout Allegheny County, and communities across the region.

Pay

$37,300 – $41,600 annually

Application Process

Please send a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and referral source to [email protected] and list “Community Greening Field Staff” in the subject line.

Application Deadline