LandCare Field Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW:

PHS partners with local businesses and community groups to transform vacant lots into vibrant green spaces that provide lasting benefits for neighborhoods. Through PHS LandCare, we replace waste with grass, trees, and plants in over 12,000 vacant lots across Philadelphia. This position helps with managing, and monitoring landscape construction activities on assigned projects in accordance with schedules, budgets, drawings, and specifications.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and monitor LandCare maintenance of designated groups to ensure contractor and community group compliance with PHS technical standards and landscaping and construction best practices.
• Perform site assessments, verify addresses, and document all changes to site conditions
• Develop monitoring reports and review contractor invoices.
• Assist with community outreach initiatives to enhance program visibility and stakeholder engagement.
• Collect photos, community feedback, and testimonials after project completion, as needed
• Respond to inquiries from the community, city agencies, and other stakeholders related to the LandCare program.
• Develop scopes of work, manage bid processes, and oversee the execution of deferred maintenance packages (e.g., fence repairs, debris removal, tree limbing).
• Assist with site selection and preparation for stabilization through detailed site surveys and technical documentation, including AutoCAD drawings, to capture existing conditions.
• Assist with contractor and community group training sessions to support capacity building, as needed.
• Support contract administration and project management tasks, including data entry, scope of work development, scheduling, and inventory audits.
• Develop and manage stabilization implementation plans with contractors, ensuring compliance with milestones and performance benchmarks.
• Assist in the procurement of materials and supplies, as needed.
• Maintain expert knowledge of existing site conditions to support LandCare team.
• Perform additional technical or administrative duties, as needed.
  
  

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum degree required: Associate’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience
• Years of experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license and a clean, safe driving record
  
  

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR SUCCESS:

• Well-organized, self-motivated, and willing to work both individually and as part of a team structure
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Team player with excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills across varied audiences and platforms (email, phone, in person, text, etc)
• Working knowledge of urban horticulture
• Working knowledge of the landscape and construction processes, including all stages from planning and design to execution and maintenance
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technology platforms (e.g., AutoCAD, ArcGIS)Familiarity with Philadelphia and surrounding counties and comfort traveling throughout the city and region preferred
• Passion for community-based urban greening initiatives
• Proven success at prioritizing tasks and meeting project budget, deliverables and timelines in a composed and professional manner
• Self-starter and independent worker
• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly address challenges as they arise
• Comfortable working in diverse urban environments and spending most of the day outside doing field work
• Ability to work outside under various weather conditions
• High-level attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work
  
  

Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours): 37.5 hours/week, some evening and weekend events

Physical Demands: You may be required to stand for up to 8 hours a day and lift 50+ lbs. Must be able to work in all weather conditions and your position requires operating a motor vehicle.

Standard Hours (including travel, evening, and weekend hours): PHS’s standard office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM at team member’s designated workspace and out in the field. Some weekends are required for events.

Flower Show Requirements: Participates in PHS events throughout the year including annual fundraising events and the Philadelphia International Flower Show, expected to work a total of (9) 8-hour workdays (=72 hours) with 75% (=54 hours) worked at the Show including 3 weekend days.

EEO NOTICE:
At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.