Botanic Specialist I - Natural Resources Youth & Community Programs

City of Portland•Or 97202, OR

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is seeking a Botanic Specialist I – Natural Resources Youth & Community 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. 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.

Requirements

Experience with volunteer and group coordination, including planning, leading, reporting, and effective communication (in-person, phone, and email) for habitat restoration and conservation-based events.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including culturally specific and under-represented communities, all levels of PP&R staff, staff of partner organizations, business leaders, teachers, and the public.
Knowledge of watershed health, habitat restoration, and plant ecology, including the ability to communicate and demonstrate this information effectively to diverse communities, ages, and socio-economic groups.
Experience with planning, coordinating, and implementing habitat enhancement projects, including selecting, installing, and maintaining native plants, methods for removing and disposing of non-native nuisance plants, litter/trash clean-ups, and conducting community science, environmental education, and wildlife survey projects.
Ability to lead, mentor, coach, and work with teenagers from many different backgrounds and life experiences.
Ability to be highly organized and utilize software to create and manage multiple schedules and calendars, detailed records, a variety of reports, and other documents such as stewardship agreements, volunteer manuals, etc.
A valid driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods under unfavorable weather conditions, off-trail, and on uneven ground.
Ability to lift and carry heavy items (rocks, tools, plants, etc.).
CPR and First Aid certification and/or willingness and ability to acquire certification within 6 months of hire.
Ability to pass a background check to be able to work with youth.
Ability to frequently work weekends (typically Saturdays) and occasional evenings and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Degree(s) in natural resources, environmental education, environmental science, horticulture, ecology, etc., with a preferred focus on Pacific Northwest ecology.
Experience in program management, preferably volunteer-centered programming.
Natural resource management skills such as plant identification, restoration ecology, GIS mapping, navigating through remote terrain, etc.
Bicultural and/or Bilingual with Spanish/English skills or other languages.
Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.
Understanding of and experience with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) that can be applied in natural area habitat enhancement.

Responsibilities

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 abilities, personality temperaments, cultural backgrounds, and life circumstances.
Serve as a “sponsor” for the PP&R Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) or other youth-focused programs over the summer by directing, mentoring, and supporting teenagers from diverse backgrounds and life experiences in collaboration with paid YCC crew leaders and/or external partner staff.
Assess hazards and proactively manage safety while working outdoors with volunteers during all seasons and conditions.
Work often includes steep hikes and physically challenging, off-trail projects in forested areas with uneven terrain.