Portland Parks & Recreation’s Community Gardens Program operates a growing program with 57 community gardens across the city serving over 2600 gardeners who speak more than 26 languages. We are committed to the overall Citywide vision that race will have no detrimental effect on people of color, Indigenous Peoples, refugee and immigrant communities in accessing our community gardens, or from the benefit of our services. Diversity and equity are vital to our ideals and values. We are working to fight anti-blackness, racism, and decolonize our program and hope to fill this role with someone who shares these values and vision.

The Botanic Specialist I – Community Gardens is responsible for volunteer coordination and development; education and support for community garden best practices; policy education and accountability; and outreach. This is a newly created position to support the growth of the program. They will share duties with another person in the same role. They work collaboratively with a team of five full-time and three part-time/seasonal staff members who implement the program. This position requires both office and field work, garden site visits, and meetings and events online and in person. The schedule will include regular weekday hours but requires some evening and weekend work.

This classification is represented by Professional, Technical Employee (PROTEC 17). To view this labor agreement, please go to  https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements and click on the appropriate link.

Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply, especially those that speak Spanish, Russian, or Mien.

About the Bureau:

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is committed to the overall Citywide vision that race will have no detrimental effect on people of color, refugee and immigrant communities in accessing our parks and natural areas, or from the benefit of our services. We recognize, understand, and encourage celebration of the differences that surround us. Diversity and equity are vital to PP&R’s ideals and values. The City of Portland, Oregon is a growing and diverse city of 650,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. PP&R values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates that can fluently speak another language to include that information in their application materials. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

City of Portland Core Values:
Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility

These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City’s core values, please click here.

Why work at the City of Portland?

The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in all people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.

The City of Portland also participates in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). For more information on the City of Portland’s benefits please click here.

Applicants must provide details in their supplemental question responses and resume how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications: 

1. Knowledge and experience using practices of organic gardening, food production and community gardening.
2. Experience developing and implementing culturally responsive programs using community involvement.
3. Knowledge and experience recruiting, training, organizing, and supervising volunteer workers possessing a wide variety of skills from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
4. Experience communicating program policies and requirements in potentially hostile situations while retaining professional demeanor.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment.
• First Aid and CPR certification within six months of hire.

An evaluation of each applicant’s training and experience, as demonstrated in their résumé and answers to the supplemental questions, weighted 100%.  Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

• Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement.
• Your resume should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
• If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference, as identified below, please describe in your responses to the supplemental questions and resume any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the “To Qualify” section above.

Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.  All applications must be submitted via the City’s online application process.  Do not attach materials not requested.   E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Veterans’ Preference: If you are requesting Veterans’ Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans’ Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans’ Preference documentation must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment.

ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.

Did you know? The City of Portland offers How to Apply Classes that are free and review best practices for applying to the City.  Follow the link for the most recent list of scheduled dates: Events | Career Center | Portland.gov