Watershed Riparian Coordinator

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (Pittsburgh, PA)

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 Watershed Riparian Coordinator. This position promotes and implements riparian forest buffer restoration projects to constituents throughout western and central Pennsylvania, and continues the development and coordination of a Riparian Stewards program to engage volunteers in post-planting riparian establishment. The person in this position reports to the Watershed Project Manager II.

Duties and Responsibilities (Essential or Marginal):

• Promotes and performs outreach watershed and riparian best management practices to PA landowners and stakeholders, with a focus in western Pennsylvania.
• Responds to landowner requests for technical assistance and assists in identifying appropriate funding sources for implementation projects on their properties.
• Develops planting plans and landowner agreements for riparian restoration projects.
• Assists with riparian project design, bidding, and purchase of consumable materials related to implementation riparian practices in close coordination with the Watershed Project Manager.
• Physically installs and maintains riparian restoration sites with assistance from Watershed Conservation Program staff, volunteers, interns, and AmeriCorps service members.
• Volunteer recruitment, coordination, and training, with focus on the development of a pilot program related to riparian buffer post planting care throughout western PA with initial focus in a 6-county area surrounding Indiana County.
• Serves as volunteer project leader on-site.
• Provides oversight and guidance of the work of volunteers during the installation and monitoring of riparian projects, and evaluates the performance of volunteers.
• Supports long-term maintenance of new and existing riparian restoration project sites.
• Explores opportunities for Lawn to Habitat funding and projects.
• articipates in field assessment and data collection related to current and innovative riparian restoration practices and works with WPC staff on riparian watershed conservation-related issues as needed.
• Develops and maintains regional collaborations/partnerships and participates in regional partner projects and initiatives.
• Reflects organizational spirit, culture and objectives in activities performed on WPC’s behalf. Acts in WPC’s best interest at all times.
• Assists with tracking and reporting implementation of watershed and riparian restoration practices.
• Assists with grant application development and reporting.
• Administrative responsibilities associated with the duties outlined above.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor of Science in biology, environmental science, environmental resource management or related field, or equivalent associate’s degree required, as well as 3 to 5 years of experience.
• Knowledge of riparian forest buffer restoration, planting plans, implementation, and maintenance techniques.
• Ability to complete tasks independently as well as supervise and train crews of staff and/or volunteers for installation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of watershed forestry and agriculture best management practices. Including riparian restoration, meadowland establishment, lawn conversion, and nutrient management.
• Working knowledge of PA native trees and plants, and a good working knowledge of the region’s invasive species is desirable.
• Experience organizing events, such as riparian buffer tree plantings and post planting maintenance days, and/or partner meetings related to these subjects.
• Experience coordinating with multiple partners on projects with proven track-record of positive working relationships with landowners and partner organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to work collaboratively and successfully with all types of personalities and people internally and externally.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and the ability to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to effectively and consistently coordinate projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook).
• Ability to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) software applications.
• Flexibility in work schedule, which can include long hours, evenings, and overnight travel and weekends as needed.
• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle within Pennsylvania; valid driver’s license, willing to travel extensively and throughout the Commonwealth.
• To be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 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.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to work outside in occasionally adverse conditions to plant and maintain tree seedlings.
• Ability to traverse difficult/uneven terrain.
• Ability to wade in flowing water.
• Ability to transition between office work and field work.
• Physical stamina and ability to sit, bend, and stand for 8+ hours a day.
• Requires stooping, kneeling, crawling, bending, turning, and reaching overhead, at, and below eye level. (full range of body motion for extended periods of time.)
• Physical stamina for manual labor working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Location: This is a field-based position, with the department located in the Indiana, PA office.

Position Duration: This is a full-time opportunity which includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits: 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, 403(a) and 403(b) retirement plans including generous employer match, EAP, and more!

Pay Range: $46,400 – $55,300 per year

Application Deadline: Until filled

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We are fully committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek contributors from all backgrounds to join our team.