Parks & Recreation - Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

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 its 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 and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

 

Job Description

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) seeks a highly qualified and motivated Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Program Manager to lead implementation of a strategic program to restore underperforming GSI assets, establish a robust asset management system, and advance consistent maintenance practices across the park system. This is a full-time, grant-funded position for 1.5 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on future funding.

The GSI Program Manager will oversee all aspects of program implementation, including asset tracking and inspections, contract management, corrective action planning, community engagement, and the development of a sustainable maintenance framework. The position will work collaboratively across City departments, partner organizations, and community groups to ensure that PPR’s 50+ GSI sites deliver maximum environmental, social, and climate resilience benefits. 

This role will play a pivotal part in shaping how PPR manages its growing portfolio of green infrastructure, with responsibilities that include leading a comprehensive GSI condition study across parkland, coordinating digitization of GSI assets, implementing restoration activities, and facilitating community-centered workforce development opportunities. By establishing the value and impact of a dedicated GSI program within PPR, the Program Manager will help lay the groundwork for long-term sustainability of green infrastructure management.

 

Essential Functions  

• Lead implementation of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program, overseeing planning, inspections, restoration, and maintenance activities across the park system. 

• Manage a comprehensive GSI condition study on parkland, including field inspections, data analysis, and prioritization of corrective actions based on performance, environmental justice, and community impact criteria. 

• Support the development and digitization of Parks & Recreation’s GSI assets within a citywide asset management system by providing data, coordinating updates, and ensuring alignment with department needs. 

• Plan and implement corrective actions on underperforming GSI sites, including site restoration, repairs, and replanting, ensuring assets are returned to full function. 

• Develop and manage contracts, budgets, and timelines for GSI maintenance and restoration work. 

• Design and implement a sustainable maintenance framework that integrates internal staff roles, contracted services, and potential workforce development opportunities. 

• Facilitate community and stakeholder engagement processes, including meetings, workshops, and feedback sessions, to ensure community perspectives inform program priorities. 

• Collaborate with City departments, external partners, and community groups to align PPR’s GSI work with broader citywide green infrastructure and climate resilience goals. 

• Monitor and evaluate program progress, preparing reports and presentations that demonstrate outcomes, challenges, and opportunities for long-term investment. 

• Serve as a subject-matter resource on GSI for Parks & Recreation staff, partners, and community members, supporting education and shared stewardship of green infrastructure. 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Technical Expertise 

• Knowledge of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) practices, design elements, and maintenance needs. 

• Understanding of urban ecology, stormwater management, and environmental justice principles. 

• Familiarity with asset management systems, data collection methods, and condition assessments. 

Project & Program Management 

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and contract administration. 

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. 

Collaboration & Relationship Management 

• Ability to work effectively across City departments, partner organizations, contractors, and community groups. 

• Strong skills in building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and managing diverse stakeholder interests. 

• Ability to engage with residents and community-based groups in ways that are inclusive, respectful, and responsive. 

Communication & Engagement 

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences. 

• Skilled in facilitating meetings, workshops, or public engagement sessions. 

• Ability to prepare clear and compelling reports, presentations, and recommendations for decision-makers. 

Problem-Solving & Innovation 

• Ability to assess challenges, identify creative solutions, and adapt to evolving program needs. 

• Competence in using data to inform decision-making and prioritize actions. 

• Ability to remain flexible as priorities and timelines shift in a dynamic work environment. 

 

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. 

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, natural resource management, or a related field. 

• Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 

• 3–5 years of professional experience in stormwater management, green infrastructure, urban sustainability, or related fields. 

• Demonstrated experience with project management, including budgeting, contract administration, and scheduling. 

• Experience conducting site inspections, condition assessments, or asset management activities. 

• Familiarity with community engagement and stakeholder collaboration in an urban context. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and basic data management tools; experience with GIS or asset management software is a plus. 

• Valid PA Driver’s License (Must be able to travel city-wide to program sites) 

• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholder groups, including government agencies, community organizations, and residents. 

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and community empowerment in environmental work. 

• Familiarity with the city of Philadelphia and its neighborhoods. 

 

Additional Information

TO APPLY:   Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $87,000

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.

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