The Urban and 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. To date, WPC has planted over 40,000 trees through the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh program and other initiatives. The federal funding supporting this position requires that work be directed towards environmental justice communities (information on these areas can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/)
Schedule
September 21 - December 11, 2026
12 Weeks
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The fellow will be working as a part of the Community Greening 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; Assisting in tree plantings (spring and fall) & tree care activities throughout the growing season (May-August) for newly planted trees; Tree care 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; The fellow will also provide educational outreach to community members during tree planting/care events to teach the benefits of urban tree canopy.
Marginal Duties
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.
Required Qualifications
The fellow will be driving a WPC truck daily; Candidates MUST be able to pass a driving record background check; Typically, M-F, 7am-3pm. Saturday work should be expected to lead volunteer events. Service week will be adjusted accordingly when Saturday service is needed. The fellow will work approximately 40 hours a week.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have at least one previous full-time seasonal 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; A personal vehicle is recommended but not required; 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
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing not provided as part of this position.
Compensation
Living allowance: $650/week living allowance; $650 Travel Allowance to/from project site, one time.
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Equal Opportunity Statement
SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.
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Our History:
Here in Lower South Carolina, your local Goodwill has been building better communities through the power of work since the 1970s. In 1974, a small group of local citizens raised concerns over the lack of opportunities for people with disabilities in the Charleston area. After five years of endless meetings and small fundraising activities, the group received a charter from Goodwill Industries International and the agency officially opened its doors on October 16, 1979, with the name Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina, Inc.
Since its inception, your local Goodwill has continued to provide services to individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the South Carolina. The community has supported Goodwill Industries with donations of goods, monetary contributions and by shopping in Goodwill retail stores. Because of this support, Goodwill’s mission of helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work is as relevant today as it was when Goodwill opened its doors in 1979.
