Tree Equity Alliance Specialist

The City of Pittsburgh in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry (BOF), seeks a highly motivated, driven, and well-organized individual to help promote urban and community forestry efforts as part of the Equity Street Tree Investment Plan in the City of Pittsburgh. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of urban and community forestry and tree identification; excellent interpersonal and communication skills, exhibit outstanding planning skills, and demonstrate the ability to foster trusting relationships with cross-sector partners. Competencies in equitable community development and environmental justice are highly valuable.

The purpose of this position is to further the goals of the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission, City of Pittsburgh Forestry Division, and the State Bureau of Forestry’s Urban & Community Forestry Program. The Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission seeks to educate citizens and increase quality of life for those living in marginalized communities, help citizens understand the myriad benefits of planting trees, the importance of keeping existing trees in the community healthy, and the value of sufficient tree canopy. The Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan also encourages and provides outlets for citizens to take action to improve their urban and community forest.  

Specifically, the Tree Equity Specialist will:

1. Empower partners and communities to apply the principles of equity and environmental justice in urban and community forestry work across neighborhoods identified in the Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan and Justice 40 neighborhoods.
2. Communicate a shared story of urban and community forestry in Pittsburgh.
3. Provide strategic input, direction, assistance, and information to both State and City Forester’s offices conducting support activities for the Bureau’s Tree Equity program and related activities.

This is a one-year grant-funded position. Grant-funded positions are contingent upon renewal of the grant or availability of other funding sources.

Department: Public Works, Forestry
Posting Type: Announcement
Salary: $58,352 per year. 
Union: None, this is a non-union position.
Civil Service Classification:  ExemptGeneral Application Requirements:
You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of filing your application (unless otherwise indicated below) or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable) and completed supplemental questions.
• Applicants must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and must remain a resident throughout employment.
  • Click here to view a map of City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
• A current, valid Pennsylvania Class C Pennsylvania Driver's License (or out-of-state equivalent) is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis.

NOTE: The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes but is not limited to criminal background, driver’s license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments.  Candidates may be disqualified from consideration for employment based on the results of their background investigation (as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered).

NOTE: Candidates being considered for employment will be required to submit official transcripts to verify of their post-secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to being hired by the City of Pittsburgh. Transcripts must be submitted at the time of any/each job interview you have with the City of Pittsburgh.

Qualifying Requirements:
Your City of Pittsburgh application will be reviewed, and your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position.  You will be sent an eligibility letter regarding your eligible/ineligible status.

• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show one (1) year of full-time professional experience in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or a related field. Experience in photography and/or graphic communications is desirable.  (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show an Associate Degree from a fully accredited institution in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture/Management, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Natural Resources, or a related field. (See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training.)
• EQUIVALENCY:  Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year for year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above).  The Total Qualifying Requirement is three (3) years.

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will be sent a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) in order to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates who receive job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) prior to start date.

Written: None required for this position.
Performance: None required for this position.
Medical: None required for this position. Equity & Environmental Justice Responsibilities

• Aligns all components of the Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan with the principles of equity and environmental justice.
• Ensures equitable direction of program’s grant funding, technical assistance, outreach, maintenance, etc. to communities across the City of Pittsburgh.
• Proposes and implements programmatic changes that will create an increasingly sustainable and equitable impact upon City neighborhoods.
• Raises partner awareness and engagement surrounding the topics of equity and environmental justice in the context of urban and community forestry work.
• Provides advice, guidance, and technical training to partners regarding the principles of environmental justice and equity.
• Establishes and maintains connections with other non-profit partners and offices already engaged in equity and environmental justice tree work.
• Develops internal DCNR relationships in order to provide record keeping and grant reporting accurately and on a timely basis.

Communication & Community Relations Responsibilities

• Serves as City Forestry's social media/public relations liaison. 
• Manages City Forestry/Shade Tree Commission website that shares the work of City Forestry and partners relating to the Equity Street Tree Investment Plan. 
• Gives public presentations when necessary, relating to the Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan.
• Creates relationships with organizations and agencies that can help promote the Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan.
• Reviews program success annually and communicates results internally and externally.

 Community Forestry Responsibilities

• Performs occasional public relations duties, including staffing display booths, presenting to interested groups, and participating in meetings with cooperating           public and private agencies.
• Reviews and comments on written material, as requested. 
• Provides appropriate information, as requested, to the Director of the Department of Public Works, City Forester and Pittsburgh Shade Tree Commission.
• Attends and participates in appropriate training programs and conferences.  

General Responsibilities

• Provides input into the strategic direction of the Equitable Street Tree Investment Plan and proposes program innovations and new partnership opportunities that advance the Shade Tree Commission’s mission.
• Represents the City of Pittsburgh Forestry at in-state and partner meetings.
• Manages grants.
• Writes newsletters and other communication pieces that are attractive and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Handles multiple tasks and priorities at a fast pace.
• Works as an individual and team player. 
• Sets goals, carries out complex projects, and documents results (self-starter). 
• Works long days, evenings, weekends, and irregular work hours as required.

Click here to view the full job description including knowledge, skills, and abilities and working conditions for this position.  Locate and click on the position title to view the complete job description.  

Salary : $58,352