The Community Forestry Fellow placed with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will participate in a full-time (40 hours per week) hands-on immersion into tree care across urban, suburban, and rural contexts. The majority of service will be outside in all weather conditions. The fellow will also provide community education on the benefits of urban tree canopy. The SCA is seeking an applicant who can start by October 9th or earlier.
The fellow will be working as a part of the Community Gardens and Greenspace Department at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Duties will focus on supporting the Community Forestry program projects that WPC has undertaken within Allegheny and neighboring counties. To date, WPC has planted over 38,000 trees through the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh program and other initiatives. The fellow will be responsible for assisting in tree plantings(spring and fall) and tree care activities throughout the growing season (May-August) for newly planted trees. Activities include but are not limited to tree watering, weeding, and mulching during tree establishment periods. Monitoring for signs of pests, disease, vandalism, and other stressors also will be required. Other Community Forestry projects that the fellow may assist with include tree planting events, volunteer maintenance events, collecting and updating databases or spreadsheets, assisting with event planning, and more. The fellow will also provide educational outreach to community members during tree planting/care events to teach the benefits of urban tree canopy. The fellow will educate an estimated 800 community members during the position.
Preferred candidates will have at least one previous full-time internship experience and a background in one or multiple of: biology, forestry, ecology, nursery care, landscaping, tree plantings and tree care, farming, urban planning, or a related field. Successful candidates will demonstrate an ability to positively collaborate in a tight team in a hands-on workplace and an ability to adapt to daily project execution needs.
Hours: M-F, 7am-3pm. Saturday work should be expected to lead volunteer events. Work week will be adjusted accordingly when Saturday work is needed.
Member Qualifications (Essential Functions)
- Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States;
- Be at least 18 years or older;
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one;
- Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;
- A personal vehicle is recommended but not required. The fellow will be driving a WPC truck daily. Candidates MUST be able to pass a driving record background check.
Member Benefits
- $ 400 weekly living allowance
- $ 800 monthly housing allowance
- $ 650 one-time relocation support
- *Note all Allowances (Living, Housing, Commuting, etc.) subject to federal and state tax.
Trainings provided: Training will be provided in tree biology, tree identification, planting techniques, basic tree maintenance practices, and volunteer and data management. Tool safety, job hazard assessment, and safe driving will also be included.
- Tree biology, identification, maintenance practices
- Volunteer and data management
Apply
Please upload a resume to your SCA application.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice across our organization. All are welcome to apply, and BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply. Our statement on this work can be found here https://waterlandlife.org/how-we-work/diversity-inclusion/
It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations, and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants on the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service
Position ID: PO-00734559
Expected Dates: October 9, 2023 - December 1, 2023
Location:
800 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
US
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Not Eligible
Driving Logistics: Recommended
To get to and from the office and some volunteer events.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
C.Partner will pay the SCA to provide housing allowance for the member.
Indoor/Outdoor: Outside