Environmental Stewardship Manager

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and familiarity with Philadelphia’s Park System, watershed parks, and natural areas.
• 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.
• 5+ years of experience working in local government or a non-profit environment.
• Certified Arborist.
• Registered herbicide technician.
• 3-5 years of soft surface trail design/ maintenance experience.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings) for employees, spouses, and dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager