Farm Philly Program Manager

  • Full-time

Company Description

With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

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. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Farm Philly runs youth and adult education programs at recreation centers throughout the City that supports community gardens on city parkland, provides greenhouse propagation opportunities and works on garden preservation policy. 

The Farm Philly Program Manager will support the launch of urban agriculture programs and the overall Urban Agriculture Plan. This position will Farm Philly Program Manager will oversee aspects of public and internal communications and logistics for these programs, keep track of operations and logistics, carry out program design, and manage the day to day and ongoing processes within the programs. This might include the management of consultants, contracts, and the installation and maintenance of projects.

This is a 2-year grant-funded position. Continued employment beyond this time frame is subject to the availability of funds.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Manage new programs and oversee the creation of newly built infrastructure
  • Navigate internal processes and requirements to develop new projects from concept to completion
  • Assist in the supervision and management of Farm Philly staff overseeing programs, operations, membership, events, volunteer activities, and rental of facilities 
  • Assist urban agricultural growers and producers with obtaining services needed for production, including required permits and licenses, water access, and electricity access 
  • Provide administrative support for Farm Philly Programs
  • Serve as general advisor to recreation committees and Parks Friends of Groups interested with garden recreation activities
  • Perform outreach to share best practices, provide mentorship, and offer technical assistance to urban agriculture partners and residents
  • Build consensus among diverse stakeholders working toward the common goal of a sustainable local food system, including food production, education and enterprise 
  • Support the expansion of City-wide policies and programs to promote urban farming and agriculture. 
  • Coordinate with and provide guidance to other city agencies, offices, commissions, and City Council that are implementing programs which impact urban agriculture production and programs. 
  • Support Farm Philly staff and the Director of Urban Agriculture with all aspects of public and internal communications and operations related to all Farm Philly Program
  • Assist in implementing the recommendations of the Urban Agriculture Plan; including the topics of garden preservation, land access and ownership, climate resiliency, youth development, job creation, and greater access to healthy foods in low-income and low-wealth communities
  • Represent PPR and Farm Philly at community meetings and events, interacting face-to-face with Philadelphia residents and growers
  • Support the inter-agency work of the Farmers Market Collaborative by coordinating with the Health Department’s Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention to maintain network of gardens, farms, farmers’ markets and farm stands
  • Coordinate the annual Farmers’ Market operators meeting, outline a broader plan for supporting a city-wide network of farmers’ markets/stands, farms and gardens; research funding opportunities to support this work and create a website to house information related to urban agriculture

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, ABILITIES

  • Familiarity with the city of Philadelphia and its neighborhoods
  • Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of agriculture practices, trees, plants, city ecology, and composting
  • Knowledge of emerging environmental and social trends related to urban agriculture
  • Knowledge of food policy and food systems
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite (e.g. Google Drive), Adobe Suite and ArcGIS
  • Ability to engage Philadelphia residents, gardeners and farmers
  • Ability to management time, organize work, and set priorities
  • Ability to think and plan strategically
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes early mornings, evening and weekend work
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with both internal and external partners
  • Demonstrated skillset in Cultural Competence

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree with major coursework in Food Science, Public Health, Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant Science or related field
  • Minimum of 3 years’ experience advancing urban agriculture programs, projects, or policy
  • 3+ years’ experience in community engagement with preference working with farmers and gardeners
  • Experience with food policy, food systems and urban agriculture research preferred
  • Experience with volunteer organizing and event planning
  • Experience with community outreach
  • Demonstrated experience with project management, including working with contractors and the public
  • Valid Driver’s License

Additional Information

SALARY: $55,000-$65,000

 

  • Successful candidates must be a city of Philadelphia resident as a condition of employment.
  • Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter via SmartRecruiters.

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

 

Did you know?

●        We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer

●        25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

●        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