Internship - ReLeaf Community Forestry Fellow

About us

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, community green spaces, and much more across the country.

Location: Pittsburgh Metro Area

Program Dates: 3/24/2025 - 10/31/2025

Position Description

The ReLeaf Community Forestry Fellow placed with Tree Pittsburgh will participate in a full-time (40 hours per week) hands-on immersion into tree planting and care and outreach 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 and support community surveying to gather input for community forestry plans, ReLeaf plans. Duties will focus on supporting the Community Forestry program projects that Tree Pittsburgh has undertaken in partnership with the Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance. 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/)

About your Host Organization

Tree Pittsburgh is dedicated to protecting and growing tree canopy across Allegheny County through tree planting and care, education, advocacy, and land conservation. The organization has a strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice across our organization. All are welcome to apply, and BIPOC candidates are encouraged to apply. Our statement on this work can be found herehttps://www.treepittsburgh.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/equity-statement.pdf.

Member Benefits

• Living allowance: $640/week living allowance (pre-tax)*
• $650 Travel Allowance to/from project site, one time*

• All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Required Qualifications

• Must undergo a criminal history check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks conducted after position is offered.
• Driver's license

Preferred Member Qualifications

• A personal vehicle is recommended but not required. The fellow will be driving Tree Pittsburgh vehicles. Candidates MUST be able to pass a driving record background check.
• Preferred candidates will have at least one previous full-time internship 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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the Tree Equity Manager and Community Outreach Manager with community surveys and meeting facilitation to gather community feedback to inform ReLeaf plan creation (community forestry plans).
• Attending community events to recruit volunteers and educate the public about the benefits of trees.
• Assisting in spring and fall tree plantings and tree care activities throughout the growing season (May-Sept) 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.
• 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.

Schedule

• Typically, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
  
  • The nature of community outreach work means some evening and Saturday activities. Service week will be adjusted accordingly when evening and Saturday service is needed.
• Member will serve approximately 40 hours a week for a period of 32 weeks.

Training and Leadership Development

• Tree biology, tree identification, planting techniques, basic tree maintenance practices, and volunteer and data management
• Tool safety, job hazard assessment, and safe driving
• Sexual Harassment and Maintaining a Positive Workplace
• Risk Management 101

Housing

Housing not provided as part of this position.

It is our strong belief that equal opportunity for all members is central to the continued success of our programs. We will not discriminate against an applicant because of race, religious creed, religion, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, physical disability, mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity characteristics or expressions in selections, terminations and or recommendations. Opportunity is provided to all applicants on the basis of qualifications and program requirements. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants during the selection process and to members during service.