Position Summary
Greening Fellow placed with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will participate in a full-time (40 hours per week) hands-on immersion into WPC's community greening department. This position will work to expand education and stewardship activities related to WPC's school grounds greening program and community flower gardens. This position requires partial service outdoors in all weather conditions and office work. The fellow will also provide volunteer management opportunities in partner communities.
Hosting Organization
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
- This position may conduct work in an urban setting where emergency services, public transportation, and cell phone reception are readily accessible. Interactions with members of the public are regular and frequent.
Schedule
August 31, 2026 - December 18, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Are you passionate about nature, education, and community impact? The School Grounds Greening Fellow at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) will engage in a full-time (40 hours/week) immersive experience with WPC's Community Greening Department. This position supports the transformation of schoolyards and public spaces into vibrant, green learning environments. The Fellow will expand education and stewardship efforts tied to WPC's School Grounds Greening Program and community flower gardens, with a focus on under-resourced urban areas. The role combines outdoor fieldwork and indoor coordination, offering a dynamic mix of environmental education, nonprofit experience, and volunteer engagement. This is a hands-on opportunity to inspire students, support greener communities, and gain valuable career experience. You will be a key member of WPC's Community Greening Department, contributing directly to projects that bring environmental education and green infrastructure to life.
Marginal Duties
Support the Education & Special Projects Coordinator with implementing school greening initiatives; Utilize the community flower gardens program to provide educational opportunities to students outside of the traditional classroom; Facilitate environmental education and hands-on learning sessions for students and student volunteer groups to support teachers and existing curriculum; Provide field-based experiences in nature and opportunities for career awareness and exploration; Develop , update, and organize educational materials used in youth programming; Assist with design process for one new outdoor classroom at a school; Help educate and engage an estimated 200 school-aged children through planting events and stewardship activities that highlight the benefits of native plants and healthy ecosystems. Provide volunteer management and support for community greening events in partner neighborhoods.
Required Qualifications
Pennsylvania Child Protection Clearances are required for this position. WPC will reimburse the cost and provide links to apply: Child Abuse History Clearance: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home PA State Police Criminal Record Check: https://epatch.pa.gov/home FBI Fingerprinting (via IdentoGO): https://www.identogo.com/services/live-scan-fingerprinting Driver's license and a willingness to drive WPC vehicles is required.
Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Local recruitment is encouraged. Familiarity with Pittsburgh's neighborhoods and schools is a plus. You'll gain practical skills in education, sustainability, and community engagement while helping build greener, healthier school environments across Pittsburgh. This role is perfect for someone looking to turn their passion for nature and service into meaningful action.
General Physical Requirements
- Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
- Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
- Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear. Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
- Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
- Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
- Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
- Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
- If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
- Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
- Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
Working Conditions:
Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or involve ambiguous assignments. Work settings require the ability to interact positively and professionally with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land, local communities, and Indigenous peoples.
Work may take place in warm temperatures and extreme heat, including conditions that may reach 110°F or higher in some regions. Work may also take place in cold temperatures and severe winter weather, including conditions as low as -20°F or colder, with wind, snow, and sleet. Work environments may include inclement or severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, fog or reduced visibility, lightning, and poor air quality due to wildfire smoke or smog. Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, including poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, as well as harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitoes, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing is not provided.
Compensation
Living allowance - $600/week;
One Time Travel Allowance $650
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Driving
Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.
To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:
- Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.
Additional Benefits
Defensive Driving Training
Interpretive Skills
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.
