Entry Level Environmental Specialist Jobs

INTRODUCTION

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

Philadelphia 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.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Environmental Stewardship Specialist reports to the Environmental Stewardship Manager and supports the delivery of citywide Environmental Stewardship programs. This role includes engaging with volunteers, park users, and community members to build support for the natural areas within the park system. The Specialist will lead weekly volunteer events, support community engagement efforts, and contribute to departmental goals, with a focus on Cobbs Creek Park and Pennypack Park. Additional responsibilities include assisting with data collection and performing other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

- Support the sustaining, restoring, and enhancing of natural areas within the park system, including reclamation, replanting, and the removal of invasive plants and trash through volunteer engagement.
- Assist with capacity building for environmental stewardship groups.
- Collaborate with city departments, nonprofit partners, and community organizations to support stewardship activities.
- Serve as a departmental liaison to community and volunteer groups in Cobbs Creek Park and Pennypack Park.
- Plan and prepare sites for weekly service projects, including conducting site condition assessments and determining and obtaining necessary materials.
- Lead volunteer park projects in coordination with cross-departmental divisions.
- Support Philadelphia Water Department initiatives in Cobbs Creek Park and Pennypack Park.
- Support volunteer service days with large groups such as corporations, schools, and nonprofit organizations.
- Support Environmental Stewardship programs and initiatives.
- Assist with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and delivering training that builds volunteers’ knowledge, skills, and capacity in environmental stewardship.
- Maintain the volunteer database and track service day metrics for reporting purposes.
- Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Understanding of ecology, including knowledge of Mid Atlantic plant species.
- Knowledge of proper tool usage.
- Strong communication skills; able to present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with volunteer groups to support project goals.
- Ability to safely operate large vehicles such as an F-350.
- Ability to work outdoors in adverse conditions such as rain, cold, and heat.
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
- Ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and operate a motor vehicle safely.

Qualifications

We 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.
- Completion of a degree program at an accredited college or university.
- 1-2 years of experience or training in ecology preferred.
- 1-2 years of experience in customer service or community organizing preferred.
- Experience working with volunteers (in a professional capacity preferred).

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.
Salary Range: $46,658.00 - $55,994.00

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

- Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
- Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Generous retirement savings options are available.
- Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
- Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too! Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire. Effective 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.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx