Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Watershed Youth Program Coordinator Position

Application Deadline: December 2, 2024

Start Date: January 2025

Reports to: Director of Youth Education

Bartram’s Garden is a 50-acre public garden in Southwest Philadelphia, situated on Lenape territory on the banks of the lower Schuylkill River. It is a venue for art, an access point to the tidal river and wetlands, an outdoor classroom, and a living laboratory. Bartram’s Garden attempts to hold the colonial legacy of the land with a commitment to learn and share the whole truth about the plants of Southwest Philadelphia and the people who grow them.

Since 2012 the Garden has hosted an award-winning, culturally relevant paid youth internship, employing more than 150 local high school students since the program’s inception and maintaining a cumulative 4-year graduation rate of 95%. Historically, the Garden has employed roughly 40 local students annually through parallel programs with the Sankofa Community Farm, ROOTS Tree Crew, and Denkyem River Guardians. Within these programs youth focus not only on technical skills like urban agriculture and watershed health but also on personal development in areas such as public speaking, cultural traditions, and team-building.

Bartram’s Garden is looking to relaunch our Denkyem River Guardians youth program through the addition of a Watershed Youth Program Coordinator. The Watershed Youth Program Coordinator will recruit and manage our Denkyem River Guardians youth intern cohort. This youth cohort is responsible for providing on-going support to our existing public river programming and to create opportunities for watershed education, access, and advocacy for our neighbors in Southwest and West Philadelphia.

We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels to apply. We value unique perspectives and are dedicated to supporting our staff’s professional development and personal career journeys. We are eager to see what you can add to the Youth Education team.

Core Responsibilities include:

Participate as member of both Youth Education and River Program teams

Education & River Program Responsibilities:

Plan and coordinate watershed youth intern program, including the recruitment and hiring of youth interns.

Develop, design, and implement programming/curricula for youth interns focusing on stewardship of the Tidal Schuylkill River and Delaware River Watershed.

Create and implement a system for youth interns to collaborate with and support the River Program team in water quality monitoring and testing.

Create opportunities for youth interns to meaningfully engage with Southwest and West Philadelphia residents around topics related to watershed access and water quality.

Support the River Program team and volunteers in on-going public river programming days/events.

Successfully manage individual program budget and reconcile program expenses on monthly basis.

Ensure documentation and compliance with all policies and procedures, including following all state-mandated guidelines for clearances.

Support the Garden’s Education and Development teams in compiling quantitative and narrative reports of proposed and completed deliverables, including required grant reporting.

Participate in regularly scheduled Youth Education and River Program team meetings and work in collaboration with other program coordinators.

Position Requirements

Previous education or experience in environmental science or nature-based curricula; fundamental understanding/knowledge of wetland ecosystems and river ecology

Previous teaching experience or experience facilitating youth development programs

A love of nature and being outdoors; willingness and availability to participate in on-water rowing, kayaking, and safety training. On-water experience preferred but not required.

Enthusiasm for connecting and working with young people of different ethnicities and backgrounds.

Required Certifications and Licenses (may be obtained upon employment)

Certification in First Aid/CPR/AED

Kayak safety and rescue training; ACA Level 2 Kayak Instructor certification preferred.

Driver’s License

Physical Demands

The Watershed Youth Program Coordinator is a physically demanding position that is conducted outdoors, often in difficult weather conditions, on the water, and in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to move and operate boating and fishing equipment; stand and/or walk for extended periods of time; and work in immediate proximity to the public in a safe and friendly manner. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The administrative components of this position require the ability to sit/stand at a desk, work on a computer, and use a monitor for extended periods of time.

Schedule and Compensation
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with a starting salary of $44,000–$47,000, depending on experience. Benefits include employer-paid healthcare and dental coverage, short and long-term disability coverage, and generous paid time, off including holidays, vacation, and sick time.

Our site is open daily, and the Watershed Youth Program Coordinator’s schedule will require flexibility to include most weekends, occasional holidays, early mornings, and late nights throughout the year. Additionally, all full-time staff support annual site-wide events including Southwest Spring Fest; Juneteenth; Honey Fest; Twilight in the Garden; Indigenous People’s Day; Harvest Fest; and Handmade Holidays.

Application Information

Email cover letter with resume to jobs@bartramsgarden.org, with subject line “Watershed Youth Program Coordinator.” Applications must be received by December 2, 2024. No phone calls or visits, please.

Bartram’s Garden recognizes the value of promoting a diverse workforce. All individuals, including those from historically underrepresented groups, are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition, any form of personal or professional connections to Southwest Philadelphia will be considered a plus for all applicants. If desired, applicants are invited to reflect in their cover letter or other written statement on how their professional and lived experiences position them for their requested role.