Urban Forestry Community Stewardship Specialist (Botanic Specialist I: Forestry)

The Position

Portland Parks &amp Recreation Urban Forestry is seeking a Community Stewardship Specialist (job class Botanic Specialist I: Forestry). Join a growing team dedicated to engaging diverse communities in the planting and care of urban trees. This position leads tree care, planting, and education events for volunteers. The position also conducts outreach with communities and organizations to promote tree planting, care, and job skills. If you are committed to supporting the planting and care of Portland’s trees with Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities, low-income residents, and East and North Portland neighborhoods, we want to hear from you!

This position also serves as the sponsor for the Portland Parks &amp Recreation Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) Tree Crew. The YCC program is a job skills training program for youth, many identifying as BIPOC and/or living with low incomes. As sponsor, this position coordinates with YCC program staff and adult crew leaders to manage a summer Tree Crew as they conduct tree care and inventory activities. During the school year, the sponsor also coordinates and hosts Saturday stewardship days for YCC members.

We are seeking a team member who is deeply committed to ensuring that underserved communities are at the heart of our tree planting and outreach initiatives. In this exciting role you will work in both the office and field. You will also spend significant time working with partners in the community.

• Plan and conduct fun, inclusive, and safe volunteer events to plant and care for urban trees. Many events are culturally specific and are co-created with partner groups.
• Develop and conduct urban tree education talks and events focused on engaging BIPOC communities and youth.
• Teach young tree care, including how to plant, mulch, weed, prune, water, and safely use tools.
• Organize logistics: select sites, secure permits, write detailed agendas, order supplies, communicate with staff and volunteers, and conduct event set up/tear down.
• Assess and report on event outcomes, suggesting improvements and tracking progress.

• Collaborate with the YCC team to manage a summer crew of ten youth, two adult leaders, and one assistant adult crew leader.
• Organize and plan a schedule of summer tree maintenance and data collection for young trees at school and Park sites.
• Assist with interviews and selection for adult crew members and youth.
• Train adult crew leaders on proper tool use, safety, and arboriculture basics. Provide coaching and support to ensure adult crew leaders effectively and safely teach skills to youth in a group setting.
• Organize tools, supplies, schedules, vehicles, and resources needed to care for trees.
• Mentor, problem solve, and guide adult crew leaders on tree care and youth management.

• Seek and cultivate partnerships with community organizations to create joint programming that promotes tree equity, environmental justice, tree planting and tree care.
• Present, speak, and network at community events to promote urban tree planting and care, PP&ampR Urban Forestry programs, and job opportunities.
• Speak passionately about the benefits and services that trees provide, such as shade, clean air and water, habitat, and health.
• Listen actively and empathetically to partner and community needs and concerns around trees and partnerships.
• Develop outreach plans , advertising, and social media posts to promote PP&ampR Urban Forestry programs. Prepare clear and concise communication materials for various audiences.

• Inclusive and culturally competent: You are a leader and advocate for equity, work effectively across cultures, and thrive in a diverse team.
• Collaborative: You enjoy working with a team, developing, and supporting relationships, and bringing people together to achieve shared goals.
• Organized and Efficient: You can manage complex projects, multiple deadlines, requests, and communication.

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

• 
  Experience conducting outreach, events, or programs for diverse audiences, such as Black, Indigenous, and people of color and those living with low incomes.
• Experience working with teenagers from different backgrounds and life experiences knowledge of adolescent teen behavior and the ability to coach and mentor adults on how to effectively work with teens.
• Experience with urban tree planting and care and the ability to teach basic urban tree planting and care skills.
• Experience communicating cross culturally with diverse audiences, through writing, public speaking, and/or engagement.

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between March 4 – 25, 2024

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Answer to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

• If you would like to request Veterans Preference, please submit your Veteran documents (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc.) by the closing date of the recruitment.

• Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the To Qualify section of this announcement.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
• Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis : Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.

• An evaluation of each applicants training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and supplemental questions, weighted 100%.
• Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
• Please note, the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.
• Please note, the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

• Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process – Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations