Botanic Specialist - Natural Resources Youth & Community Programs

Job Appointment: Full time, regular
Work Schedule: Typical schedule is 7 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday from Sept. to May;
Monday-Friday June to August.
Work Location:Parks Ross Island Maintenance Facility and offices at 4315 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Portland, OR 97202 with field locations in N and NE Portland. This is primarily an office and field-based position, with some ability for telework.
Union Representation:PROTEC-17. To view current labor agreements,.
Starting Pay:The City of Portland follows the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying.

Are you a knowledgeable natural resource professional with experience in community and youth-oriented volunteer programs? Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is looking for you!

PP&R seeks to fill a Botanic Specialist I – Natural Resources Youth & Community position to support the City Nature Natural Areas unit. This stewardship coordinator role involves developing and implementing culturally inclusive community stewardship programs in PP&R natural areas and parks, primarily focusing on the Columbia Slough Watershed including Whitaker Ponds, Kelly Point Park, Wilkes Headwaters, Columbia Children's Arboretum, and seven other natural areas.

The position will collaborate closely with community-led and nonprofit organizations, school groups, Friends groups, culturally specific groups, religious organizations, businesses, and the public to provide high-quality volunteer events and experiences. The role aims to improve access to nature and enhance the ecological conditions of eastside natural areas, applying an equity lens to all aspects of work and partnership building. Candidates will present information and lead work parties with small and large groups, build relationships with diverse communities, and lead and mentor youth.

• Organize, plan, and lead habitat enhancement volunteer stewardship events and projects including installing and caring for native plants; removal of nuisance weeds and non-native plants; basic trail maintenance; litter/trash clean ups; environmental education; and other habitat enhancement and/or community science projects.
• Develop and nurture relationships with Portland Parks staff, staff from other City bureaus, community-based organizations, and other partners/stakeholders to increase access to nature and nature-based experiences for Portlanders of all ages and backgrounds.
• Manage and develop Stewardship Agreements for current and future projects and partners.
• Write, produce, and distribute materials for outreach and awareness efforts such as brochures, presentations, and program reports. Collect, manage, and report quantitative and qualitative program data through databases, spreadsheets, etc.
• Maintain the Stewardship Program website in collaboration with other PP&R stewardship team staff.
• Serve as primary public and staff contact for stewardship-related matters on Columbia Slough Watershed Natural Areas. Answer questions and concerns from the public, providing strong customer service and a solutions-oriented approach. Maintain positive relationships with volunteers and partners; prepare annual monitoring reports for public and staff.
• Apply Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles and practices. Collaborate with partners to provide culturally appropriate stewardship experiences. Focus on under-served communities, people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, or refugees.
• Communicate effectively and professionally via email, phone, text, and in-person with people of all ages, races, beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, physical…