Agency DescriptionPhiladelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City's residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow [redacted] on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.
Job DescriptionPosition Summary
The Environmental Stewardship Manager is responsible for developing and managing Environmental Stewardship Programming to leverage and increase volunteerism to improve the natural areas of the Philadelphia Park system. The person in this position will lead a team and coordinate with other Parks and Recreation divisions to create a cohesive strategy to sustain natural resources through volunteer efforts, partnership building, and working with park stakeholders. The manager supervises full-time and seasonal staff to implement environmental stewardship programs and projects, track data, and fulfill reporting requirements.
Essential Functions
- Manage and direct full-time and part-time staff to support, develop, and expand volunteer engagement opportunities to support natural areas of the Philadelphia Park system.
- Develop and implement Environmental Stewardship programs to advance Philadelphia Parks & Recreation's goals for Pennypack Park and Cobbs Creek Park.
- Develop and implement Environmental Stewardship Programs and outreach plans for groups and individual volunteer opportunities that will support park maintenance and natural area restoration.
- Establish and manage formal partnerships with corporations, academic institutions, and large-scale non-profits to coordinate city-wide volunteer Environmental Stewardship service initiatives.
- Develop meaningful and strategic stewardship strategies and projects that align with the larger maintenance strategy for the natural areas of the parks, as well as improve park conditions for park users.
- Work closely and collaborate with the Philadelphia Water Department, non-profit, and community partners to accomplish shared goals in the Philadelphia watershed parks.
- Support and attract park usership through inclusive environmental stewardship programming.
- Lead orientations, train, assign, and review the work of volunteers and staff; provide technical direction and instructions on park projects.
- Develop trainings for increasing the capacity of watershed park volunteers and groups to build their knowledge, skills and abilities in environmental stewardship.
- Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate city-wide programs to build the capacity of community groups, partners, and volunteers, in support of natural resource stewardship.
- Develop and implement procedures to track environmental stewardship programs for reporting purposes.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, departmental managers, private and nonprofit partners, community organizations, contractors, and consultants.
- Prepare and manage work unit budgets.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge and familiarity with Philadelphia's Park System, watershed parks, and natural areas (preferred).
- Strong understanding of native and invasive species of this region.
- Knowledge of natural restoration practices as well as soft surface trail development and maintenance.
- Extensive knowledge and training in land management practices.
- Ability to supervise a diverse team of staff and effectively delegate assignments.
- Ability to build and maintain long-term partnerships with community groups and institutions.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Strong track record of working with volunteers and members of the public and familiarity with volunteer management best practices and retention methods.
- Experience recruiting, training, engaging, and retaining volunteers.
- Self-starter with ability to work independently and manage varied tasks.
- Availability to work nights and weekends as needed.
QualificationsWe value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in environmental studies, ecology, horticulture, arboriculture, or a related field.
- 5+ years of natural lands restoration experience.
- 5 + years of volunteer management experience in natural settings.
- 5 + years of experience working in local government or a non-profit environment (preferred).
- Certified Arborist (preferred).
- Registered herbicide technician (preferred).
- 3- 5 years of soft surface trail design/ maintenance experience (preferred).
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Proficient in computer software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Competent in the safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools (e.g., chainsaw, weed whackers, leaf blowers, etc.)
- Strong knowledge of plant identification skills and native and invasive species identification and management
- Must have a valid PA driver's license
Additional InformationTO APPLY:Interested candidates must submit a resume.Salary Range: $72,000 - $90,000
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- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
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- Generous retirement savings options are available
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*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hireEffective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are
no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
