Job Description

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 an individual to fill the position of Forestry Technician for the Community Greening department. The Forestry Technician supports the implementation of WPC’s community forestry and special projects initiatives throughout the region. The position provides technical forestry expertise and assistance for WPC’s urban and community forestry projects, and works collaboratively with the Urban Forestry Manager, and project partners, to ensure successful project delivery. Essential duties include supporting community forestry data collection and management for project planning and implementation, assisting with the coordination of fieldwork with WPC staff and partners, monitoring contracted work in the field and assisting with quality control efforts, and conducting fieldwork and report preparation for ecological analysis and special projects. 

Success will be measured by assisting in the completion of seasonal planting plans, maintaining effective communication with municipal leaders and project partners, supporting data-driven projects including tree inventories, tree plantings and site assessments, providing GIS data collection and management support, helping oversee contracted work for tree planting and related projects, and assisting WPC staff and partners with seasonal tree maintenance and monitoring activities. The Forestry Technician position plays a key supporting role in the day-to-day operations of WPC’s community forestry program by providing technical expertise and field support that contribute to the successful implementation of program goals. 

This person in this position reports directly to the Senior Director of Community Greening and Urban Forestry. 

Job Duties

Essential or Marginal:

E Provides forestry technical services for all regional community forestry projects including species selection and developing planting plans. 

E Assists with all data collection and data management for all regional community forestry and special projects for project planning, implementation and maintenance. 

E Assists with the oversight of contractors and contracted work related to community forestry projects, primarily planting site preparation and contracted tree plantings.

E Co-manages the logistics for community tree planting events with the Urban Forestry Manager, and other relevant staff.

E Assists with the acquisition of top-quality tree stock at the best possible price; coordinates related quality management tasks for timely delivery of healthy and viable stock, appropriate to specific planting sites. 

E Assists with report writing for tree inventory analyses, ecological assessments, planting and maintenance plans, and other technical reports on WPC’s community forestry and ecological analysis projects

E Assists with quality control measures on all implemented projects with the Senior Director of Community Greening and Urban Forestry, and the Urban Forestry Manager. 

E Gives presentations and represents WPC to the public, partners and other stakeholders interested in WPC’s community forestry and ecological analysis projects

M 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. 

• Ascend and descend 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

• Ability to drive a motor vehicle  

• Ability to be mobile and traverse throughout job location for up to (4) 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 complete tasks independently

• Remain in a stationary standing position for up to (8) hours

• Remain in a stationary seated position for up to (4) hours 

• Operate machinery, equipment and/or power tools. 

• Ability to don personal protective gear for up to (8) hours 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma

• International Society for Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification

• Valid PA driver’s license

• Two years of experience in professional forestry work 

• High proficiency in using the Latest GIS software and managing geodatabases 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 

• Strong ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks concurrently

• Outstanding communications skills, both written and verbal

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of urban and community forestry, local environmental issues and regional needs 

• Certificate in GIS

• Experience working with a wide variety of people, including community residents, municipal officials and private and non-profit professionals 

• A demonstrated interest in urban forestry and urban environmental initiatives deemed important 

• Experience using the US Forest Service iTree suite of software tools for urban forestry analysis projects. 

• 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 thatincludes a comprehensive benefits package.

Additional Details

This position includes field work. The office location for the Community Greening department is located at 800 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Pay

$48,300-$57,500 annually. We offer a robust and competitive benefits package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance/AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, and 403(a) and 403(b) retirement plans including generous employer match, EAP and more!

Application Process

Please send a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and referral source to wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list “Forestry Technician” in the subject line.

Application Deadline

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