City of Portland: Urban Forestry Community Stewardship Specialist
Position description:
Portland Parks & 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 & 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.
what you'll get to do:
- 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&R 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&R Urban Forestry programs. Prepare clear and concise communication materials for various audiences.
required qualifications:
- 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.