First Program: Utility Lead - Oregon Convention Center

This is a First Opportunity recruitment, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visit www.oregonmetro.gov/fota.

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) and Portland Expo Center are seeking a dependable and motivated Utility Lead to support custodial and setup operations. In the Utility Lead role, you will serve as a lead worker, helping coordinate the work of Utility Workers and Event Custodians, providing guidance and training, promoting safety and quality standards, and supporting operational continuity when supervisors are unavailable.

Although this is not a supervisor or manager position, the role provides meaningful opportunities to demonstrate leadership potential and develop practical leadership acumen. Utility Leads strengthen their ability to communicate expectations, coordinate work assignments, guide and motivate employees, make sound operational decisions, resolve problems, and adapt priorities in a fast‑paced event environment. They also gain experience facilitating team huddles, supporting employee development, promoting accountability, and leading by example.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop skills in communication, team leadership, decision‑making, problem‑solving, and operational coordination that are valuable for those seeking career advancement.

If you are looking to broaden your leadership experience, take pride in supporting your team, and want to build a strong foundation for future career growth, this role offers a unique opportunity to do so while contributing to some of the region's most impactful events and community gatherings.

• Coordinate and review setup and custodial work to ensure tasks are completed safely, accurately, and to established standards.
• Adjust daily work assignments to meet operational and client needs when supervisors are unavailable.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to Utility Workers, Event Custodians, and temporary staff, helping team members succeed in their roles.
• Facilitate team huddles, monitor work progress, and manage operational communications through radio and other communication systems.
• Gain hands‑on leadership experience by helping resolve day‑to‑day operational challenges and escalating issues appropriately.
• Support employee training and onboarding efforts, helping maintain consistency in workplace practices and expectations.
• Participate in safety initiatives and contribute to a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Perform custodial and setup duties alongside team members while leading by example.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.

• A desire to develop leadership skills and grow professionally.
• The ability to positively influence and support others through collaboration, respect, and effective communication.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize work in a dynamic event environment.
• Experience working cooperatively with multiple departments and diverse teams.
• Knowledge of custodial and setup equipment and the ability to operate it safely and effectively.
• Initiative, sound judgment, and a willingness to take ownership of operational challenges while supporting team success.

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is…