We bring together skilled tradespeople and craftspeople to create projects that integrate the built environment with nature. We focus on using local materials and practices, and we’re always looking to grow and improve. Join us to contribute your skills and be part of our team.
Landscape Construction
shape landforms, manage water movement, stabilize slopes, improve soils, and build the structural elements that organize residential landscapes
Work includes start to finish construction of:
- retaining walls
- garden terraces
- stairs
- access paths
- structures
- fences
- trails
You will see most jobs through from start to finish. Work begins with reviewing plans and ensuring they meet production constraints. Field work moves from mobilization and layout through excavation, building, and finishing. Close-out includes field notes and job reports. Jobs range from a few solo hours for repairs to month-long installations with a 2–3 person crew.
The role includes coordinating with other team members to resolve construction challenges, mentoring junior crew members, discussing work with homeowners when needed, and working with the construction team to improve methods. We aim to build landscape elements that fit the broader site, which requires a good eye and the ability to adapt proven techniques in new ways.
Work is centered around Pittsburgh, with jobs rarely more than 45 minutes from the East End. Teams often take Fridays off, resulting in a typical 32-hour week, though capable builders have schedule flexibility and there is a backlog of work for those seeking additional hours.
$32–$42+/hr depending on experience. Top range for builders able to carry projects from layout through completion.
Our company is working to improve how residential construction and land care interact with the surrounding ecology.
Our land and garden team works directly with wildlife and vegetation, and our builders play a key role in making sense of the land and shaping the physical structure of these landscapes.
Ecological Gardener
Seasonal Position
Expand your gardening and land care knowledge while working with an ecologically motivated team. Work closely with our customers and land care specialists to plan, install, maintain, and enhance a variety of gardens—from small homeowner patch gardens and large botanic gardens to multi-year property transitions and restoration projects.
During the growing seasons, you will be hands-on with garden installations and routine maintenance tasks such as planting, pruning, weeding, and soil improvement. We are looking for candidates who possess specific skills including native species fluency, the ability to plan and arrange plants for seasonal interest, a sound understanding of propagation mechanisms, troubleshooting garden issues, vegetable garden coaching, urban ecology processes, and experience working with customers to develop garden plans. You must also be capable of transporting equipment and supplies, and comfortable with heavy lifting and hard work. In the winter, your focus will shift to planning and coordinating plantings, with the added option for time off.
We require candidates to have multiple years of gardening experience, and prior apprenticeship or work with a fine gardening company is preferred. Our work schedule typically consists of 30-40 hours per week, often structured as a 4-day, 32-hour week with the option for a fifth day and extended hours. We offer a respectful work environment with flexible time off, paid time off, and a healthcare stipend. Compensation for this role ranges from $20 to $26 per hour.
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume along with a portfolio that showcases your gardening work and planning process. The application period will remain open until the position is filled.
Urban Restoration Specialist
Full Time / Seasonal Position
Collaborate with Fourth River’s team of designers, gardeners and specialists to care for urban landscapes, native plants and cultivated wildness. Use your restoration or land management experience to develop the habitat potential for environmentally motivated home owners. Expand your hands on technical skills and working knowledge to adapt restoration techniques for small scale urban sites. Work includes seeding site prep and establishment, plant selection, biological monitoring, garden care, succession planning, soil management, plant community management, and homeowner consultations. Fourth River serves a diversity of landscape types, clients, and ecological conditions within the Pittsburgh region. The position requires a minimum 5 years experience in a related field such as; lead on restoration projects, environmental services, invasive mitigation, seed propagation/native nursery; a masters degree in related field will be helpful.