Food Systems Planner

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

The Food System Planner will support the implementation of the City’s Urban Agriculture Plan in collaboration with the Director of Urban Agriculture, while also advancing local agriculture initiatives and Farm Philly's programs. This role provides technical expertise in community food systems planning, production, distribution, procurement, and land use within the Department of Parks and Recreation. It offers an exciting opportunity to apply skills in land use, public health, and community planning to build a more just local food system through collaborative efforts.

Essential Functions

• Assist the Director of Urban Agriculture in leading the management, evaluation, and execution of the Urban Agriculture Plan Implementation Alliance—a community-centered steering committee dedicated to advancing shared priorities from the Plan. This role involves fostering inclusive collaboration among residents, grassroots leaders, city and state agencies, elected officials, nonprofits, and institutions; offering strategic support; and developing co-created projects, programs, and policies that reflect the needs and visions of Philadelphia’s urban agriculture community.
• Facilitate the Implementation Alliance in developing and implementing strategies at neighborhood, district, and regional levels to enhance food access, urban agriculture, and the city's urban food system resilience. Explore grantmaking opportunities to finance the Plan's implementation.
• Conduct community meetings to discuss the implementation of the Plan and its updates, and gather recommendations as it relates to Philadelphia’s food system, food policies/practices and urban agriculture.
• Manage budgets and oversee financial operations related to the implementation of the Urban Agriculture Plan, including expense tracking, grant administration, and reporting to ensure responsible and strategic use of resources.
• Lead the development and management of annual updates to the Urban Agriculture Plan. Coordinate and participate in community and public meetings, facilitate inclusive engagement processes, and regularly provide planning updates to community associations, elected officials, nonprofits, partner city agencies and other stakeholders.
• Bring a food systems, land use, planning and community development perspective to assist in implementing, tracking and evaluating the Philadelphia Urban Agriculture Plan.
• Develop public materials and training on the regulatory and enforcement processes of city codes such as zoning, building and health as they relate to food syst