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 www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

Job Description

Position Summary

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) seeks four (4) passionate and community-oriented individuals to serve as Illegal Dumping Park Ambassadors as part of a citywide initiative to reduce illegal dumping in public parks. This grant-funded position is a key component of an innovative, interdisciplinary program focused on prevention, enforcement, education, and community engagement in four priority park sites: Tacony Creek Park, Cobbs Creek Park, Fairmount Park, and Mifflin Square Park.

Illegal dumping is a persistent issue in many Philadelphia parks, particularly in communities that are historically underserved. This program aims to cut illegal dumping at target sites by 50% over two years by pairing rapid response and data-informed interventions with deep, sustained community partnerships. Park Ambassadors will be the trusted, visible presence in their assigned park area—leading outreach efforts, hosting quarterly engagement events with community groups, monitoring environmental conditions, and supporting enforcement through public education and coordination with other PPR teams.

Park Ambassadors will work in close collaboration with local environmental organizations, community-based organizations (CBOs), Park Friends Groups, Recreation Outreach Workers, Environmental Education ce4nters, Advisory Councils, and other relevant stakeholders to support a culture shift in how residents view, value, and steward their parks. Responsibilities include coordinating volunteer activities, organizing community meetings, distributing educational toolkits, and reporting dumping activity. Ambassadors will also receive training in conflict resolution and engagement strategies, equipping them to build meaningful relationships with residents and activate long-term change.

To support the program’s community-driven approach, applicants with lived experience in or strong connections to the neighborhoods surrounding the four priority parks are especially encouraged to apply. This may include familiarity with local organizations, experience working in or near these park spaces, or a personal investment in the well-being of these communities. PPR values the insight, trust, and relationships that locally rooted individuals bring to the role.

This role is an exciting opportunity for leaders who are passionate about environmental justice, urban greening, and public service to help shape a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming future for Philadelphia’s parks and the people who use them. Evening and weekend hours will be required.

Essential Functions

Park Presence & Community Engagement

Serve as a consistent and welcoming presence in one of the four focus parks: Tacony Creek Park, Cobbs Creek Park, Fairmount Park, or Mifflin Square Park, with a preference for candidates who live nearby or have existing ties to the community.

Organize and execute community-based activities that promote public awareness and participation in illegal dumping prevention efforts.

Coordinate and host regular community events, including cleanups, educational workshops, resource giveaways, and tabling at neighborhood gatherings or City sponsored events.

Distribute educational toolkits and resources to residents, businesses, and park users.

Stakeholder & Community Leadership

Facilitate stakeholder engagement activities to foster collaboration and information sharing among partners.

Support the facilitation and development of community leadership groups to build local capacity for preventing illegal dumping.

Collaborate with local partners including Park Friends Groups, Recreation Outreach Workers, environmental justice organizations, Environmental Education Centers, Advisory Councils, and community-based groups to promote neighborhood-led solutions.

Monitoring, Enforcement & Cleanup

Monitor environmental conditions and illegal dumping activity in assigned parks, including litter patterns, dumping hotspots, and damaged infrastructure.

Collaborate with City enforcement teams to coordinate anti-dumping enforcement efforts, including issuing violations and fines in accordance with City procedures and policies.

Assist with monitoring and managing the illegal dumping camera network to support effective surveillance and response.

Support litter and dumping cleanup efforts, including occasional hands-on participation alongside volunteers and City crews.

Identify potential dumping interventions and coordinate with PPR Operations teams and contractors to implement them.

Data, Reporting & Evaluation

Track and document illegal dumping occurrences and community interventions using provided data tools.

Aid in compiling monthly and quarterly reports summarizing initiative progress, challenges, and successes.

Contribute to evaluation activities to assess the impact and effectiveness of interventions and provide recommendations for improvement.

Community Capacity Building

Directly support initiatives that strengthen community capacity for long-term, place-based illegal dumping reduction and public space stewardship.

Serve as a liaison between community members and the City, elevating local concerns and encouraging positive, community-driven behavior change.

Teamwork & Flexibility

Attend regular team meetings and trainings in areas such as trauma-informed care, conflict de-escalation, and environmental justice.

Maintain detailed records of outreach, enforcement, and community feedback.

Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the broader goals of the initiative.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Community Engagement & Cultural Competence

Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully and effectively with diverse communities, including residents of historically underserved neighborhoods.

Deep understanding of and/or lived experience in one or more of the focus park communities (Tacony Creek Park, Cobbs Creek Park, Fairmount Park, Mifflin Square Park) is strongly preferred.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and relationships with community members, stakeholders, and City staff.

Environmental Stewardship & Place-Based Work

Basic understanding of illegal dumping issues, litter dynamics, and public space challenges in urban environments.

Experience or interest in environmental justice, waste reduction, public health, or sustainability.

Willingness and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and participate in physical tasks such as litter pickup or park assessments.

Program Support & Data Literacy

Strong organizational skills with the ability to track data, manage event logistics, and maintain accurate records.

Comfort with using mobile devices, basic data entry tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets), and digital survey platforms.

Ability to collect, analyze, and report data to inform program improvements and demonstrate outcomes.

Problem Solving & Adaptability

Ability to think critically, troubleshoot issues in real-time, and propose community-informed solutions.

Flexible and adaptable to changing field conditions, team priorities, or emergent community needs.

Demonstrated resourcefulness and follow-through on assignments with minimal supervision.

Conflict Resolution & Enforcement Support

Familiarity with or willingness to be trained in trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, and respectful enforcement.

Capacity to issue violations or citations in a professional and equitable manner in accordance with City protocols.

Comfort working alongside City enforcement and compliance teams and explaining policies to residents or violators calmly and clearly.

Collaboration & Teamwork

Experience working in multidisciplinary teams and across agencies or community groups.

Commitment to shared goals and ability to represent the program with professionalism and integrity.

Enthusiastic team player who values collective impact and community-centered work.

Language & Communication (Preferred but Not Required)

Multilingual candidates, especially those fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or Russian are strongly encouraged to apply.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document community feedback and share information clearly.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Must be a Philadelphia resident.

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

Familiarity with the city of Philadelphia and its neighborhoods.

High school diploma or GED required.

At least two (2) years of relevant work or volunteer experience in community engagement, environmental stewardship, waste management, enforcement, urban planning, or a related field.

Ability to work evenings and weekends regularly for community events or cleanups.

Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and participate in physical activities such as walking, lifting, and site inspections.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, urban planning, public policy, public health, criminal justice, communications, or a related field – or equivalent work experience.

Lived or professional experience in or near one of the focus areas: Tacony Creek Park, Cobbs Creek Park, Fairmount Park, or Mifflin Square Park.

Familiarity with illegal dumping issues and/or City enforcement processes.

Experience facilitating or supporting community groups, public meetings, or neighborhood cleanups.

Ability to track data and use basic tools like Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, or mobile data collection apps.

Multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or Russian are a strong plus.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

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Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
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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 [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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