Position Summary 

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 planting and care across urban, suburban, and rural contexts. The majority of service will be outside in all weather conditions. The fellow will also assist with event planning and volunteer management while providing community education on the benefits of urban tree canopy. To date, WPC has planted over 42,000 trees through the TreeVitalize program and other initiatives.

Schedule 

September 28 - December 18, 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 County; Assisting in tree plantings during the fall planting season & basic tree care activities for newly planted trees; Tree care activities include but are not limited to: Tree watering, installing deer protection/fencing, and mulching as applicable. The fellow will be working with community volunteers and will assist WPC in the organization and management of those events. 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.