Natural Resources Youth & Community Stewardship Coordinator (Botanic Specialist I)

Are you a knowledgeable natural resources 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 its City Nature East natural areas unit. This stewardship coordinator role involves developing and implementing culturally inclusive environmental education and community stewardship programs in PP&R natural areas and parks, primarily focusing on the Johnson Creek Watershed including Powell Butte, Erroll Heights, Foster Floodplain, and 12 other natural areas. The position will closely collaborate with community-led and nonprofit organizations, school groups, Friends groups, culturally specific groups, religious organizations, businesses, and the public to provide high-quality volunteer 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 to small and large groups, build community relationships with diverse groups, and lead and mentor youth.

What you’ll get to do:

• 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, implement, and manage volunteer opportunities for individuals to contribute outside of structured and staff-led events.
• 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. Maintain Stewardship Program website in collaboration with other PP&R Stewardship Coordinators.
• Serve as primary public and staff contact for stewardship-related matters on Johnson Creek Watershed Natural Areas. Answer questions and concerns from the public, providing strong customer service and a solutions-oriented approach. Maintain positive relationships with volunteers; 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.