Environmental Stewardship Manager

About the Role

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. This role leads a team and coordinates 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage and direct full-time and part-time staff to support, develop, and expand volunteer engagement opportunities for the natural areas of the Philadelphia Park system.
• Develop and implement Environmental Stewardship programs for Pennypack Park and Cobbs Creek Park.
• Create and execute outreach plans for group and individual volunteer opportunities to support park maintenance and natural area restoration.
• Establish and manage partnerships with corporations, academic institutions, and non-profits for city-wide volunteer Environmental Stewardship initiatives.
• Develop strategic stewardship projects aligned with the maintenance strategy for natural areas and improve park conditions.
• Collaborate with the Philadelphia Water Department, non-profits, and community partners on shared goals in watershed parks.
• Support park usership through inclusive environmental stewardship programming.
• Lead orientations, train, assign, and review the work of volunteers and staff; provide technical direction on park projects.
• Develop trainings to build the capacity of watershed park volunteers in environmental stewardship.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and evaluate city-wide programs to support community groups, partners, and volunteers in natural resource stewardship.
• Track environmental stewardship programs for reporting purposes.
• Maintain relationships with City officials, departmental managers, partners, community organizations, contractors, and consultants.
• Prepare and manage work unit budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree 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.
• 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.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Competency in the safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools (e.g., chainsaw, weed whackers, leaf blowers).
• Knowledge of plant identification, native species, and invasive species management.
• Valid PA driver's license.

Skills

• Knowledge of Philadelphia’s Park System, watershed parks, and natural areas (preferred).
• Understanding of native and invasive species in the region.
• Knowledge of natural restoration practices and soft surface trail development.
• Ability to supervise and delegate tasks to a diverse team.
• Skill in building and maintaining long-term partnerships.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage varied tasks.
• Availability to work nights and weekends as needed.

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and dependents.
• Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships at partnered colleges and universities.

Salary Range: $72,000 - $90,000

Additional Information: The successful candidate must be a resident of Philadelphia within six months of hire. Vaccinations are not required for this position.