Botanic Specialist I & II - Forestry - Open Until Filled - UPDATED

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Botanic Specialist I & II - Forestry - Open Until Filled - UPDATED

Salary

$33.54 - $45.05 Hourly

Location

OR 97217, OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2023-00050

Bureau

Portland Parks & Recreation

Opening Date

01/02/2023

Closing Date

2/17/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position

This job posting will now close on Friday February 17, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.Portland Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for multiple positions for
Botanic Specialist I and II - Forestry!

About the positions: 

Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry is recruiting for multiple permanent and limited duration Botanic Specialist I and II – Forestry positions to join our Science, Outreach, and Planting workgroup. Join a growing team dedicated to the mission of preserving and expanding Portland’s urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations.  

 

Some positions may be limited duration. Persons appointed to limited-term positions will be designated as limited-duration employees whose appointment shall not exceed two (2) years except for the extension of grants or funding from outside sources.

 

Positions described below are for openings in two Urban Forestry teams: the Science and Policy Team, and the Planting Team. Applicants will be able to select for which team(s) they wish to apply. 

 

In addition to these positions, the list of eligible candidates from this recruitment may be used for future opportunities.  

 

Science and Policy positions: 

The Science and Policy Team is responsible for increasing public knowledge about Portland’s urban forest, assessing threats and opportunities to growing this public resource, and working with UF staff and the public to better manage Portland’s trees. Programs under this group include Tree Inventory, Heritage Trees, tracking tree survival and canopy change, and developing policies to support Portland’s Urban Forest Management Plan. 

 

Botanic Specialist I - Forestry (Limited Duration, up to two (2) years) – One (1) vacancy 

Wage Range: $33.54 - $42.83 Hourly

This position will act as lead staff on the Tree Inventory Project. This community science program aims to complete an updated inventory of over 200,000 street trees by 2024. As a Botanic Specialist I for the Science and Policy Team, you will: 

   

  • Train and lead staff and volunteers in data collection on the size, species, condition, and location of street trees. 

  • Create instructional materials detailing data collection protocol and species identification for general audience. 

  • Conduct volunteer events in coordination with PP&R Urban Forestry staff. 

  • Conduct tree inventory field work, including quality checks of staff and volunteer data. 

  • Develop reports of tree inventory findings for the general public and stakeholders. 

 

Botanic Specialist II – Forestry (Regular) – One (1) vacancy

Wage Range: $35.30 - $45.05 Hourly 

This position on the Science and Policy team will play a lead role on community science projects, program evaluation, reporting, and policy assessment. As a Botanic Specialist II for the Science and Policy Team, you will:  

 

  • Manage programs including budget development, hiring and recruitment of seasonal staff, and monitoring and communicating project status. 

  • Design, implement, and report on studies related to Portland's urban forest. 

  • Conduct fieldwork and lead staff and volunteers to monitor and assess urban trees. 

  • Communicate with diverse internal and external audiences through writing and public speaking.  

  • Act as a technical resource on urban forestry research and practice, developing and updating policies and standards to support urban forest management goals. 

 

Planting positions: 

The Planting Team is responsible for the planting and establishment of thousands of trees annually in yards, parks, and along streets. In addition to planting and establishment, the team conducts outreach to communities most in need of trees, promotes planting opportunities, and supports continued care of trees through stewardship and education. The team focuses on reaching Black, Indigenous, People of Color, low-income residents, and East Portland neighborhoods. The Planting Team manages the Free Street Trees Program, the Yard Tree Giveaway Program, the Learning Landscapes Program, park tree plantings, and interagency plantings.  

 

Botanic Specialist I – Forestry (Regular) – One (1) vacancy;  

and Limited Duration (Up to two (2) years) – One (1) vacancy 

Wage Range: $33.54 - $42.83 Hourly

These positions perform technical assistance for the Planting Team while also developing and managing outreach and stewardship activities that support the Urban Forestry Management Plan and Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry Program. As a Botanic Specialist I for the Planting Team, you will: 

 

  • Provide education and customer service to tree recipients at the door, over the phone/email, and at public events; advise on species selection, planting, and care. 

  • Find tree planting locations using aerial maps, submit utility locates, and verify sites in the field. 

  • Deliver, plant, and care for trees while also leading volunteers and seasonal staff on these activities. 

  • Monitor young trees to assess survival, health, and growth. 

  • Efficiently organize and plan field visits, update ArcGIS and other databases with site and tree information, and track progress towards goals. 

 

Botanic Specialist II – Forestry (Limited Duration, up to two (2) years) – Three (3) vacancies  

Wage Range: $35.30 - $45.05 Hourly


These positions plan, develop, and manage tree planting programs and projects in support of the Urban Forestry Management Plan and Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry Program. As a Botanic Specialist II for the Planting Team, you will: 

 

  • Develop projects, conduct project management, coordinate field data collection, analyze data, write reports, and present findings. 

  • Manage tree planting and establishment contracts. 

  • Manage tree procurement with contractors, nurseries, and staff. 

  • Recruit, train, and lead volunteers and seasonal staff to deliver, plant, and care for trees. 

  • Provide education and customer service to tree recipients at the door, over the phone/email, and at public events; advise on species selection, planting, and care. 

  • Find tree planting locations using aerial maps, submit utility locates, and verify sites in the field. 

  • Monitor young trees to assess survival, health, and growth. 

  • Efficiently organize and plan field visits, update ArcGIS and other databases with site and tree information, and track progress towards goals. 

 

The Botanic Specialist I & II – Forestry classifications are represented by PROTEC17 (Formerly COPPEA). 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. 
 
As a person, you are: 
 

  • Someone who Values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Embrace anti-racism through intentional partnership, self-awareness, and action, showing cultural humility, advocacy, and mindfulness. Use DEI concepts to guide and inform your work. 

  • An Equitable Leader: Experience leading and mentoring people and creating and maintaining an inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive workplace. 

  • Safety Conscious: Incorporate safety into all your decisions. 

  • Emotionally Intelligent: Motivated, team-oriented, and empathetic. 


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. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply and language pay differential may be available for language skills. 


About Urban Forestry and Portland’s Forest: 
Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland’s urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland’s urban forest is valued at over $6 billion and comprised of over 1.2 million park trees, 218,000 street trees and 2.9 million private property trees. The Urban Forestry team is responsible for the overall management, stewardship, and improvement of this essential infrastructure system. Urban Forestry’s work includes delivery of sustainable and equitable forest services to all Portlanders; establishing and enacting best management practices, plans, policies and technical standards for tree care and protection and urban forest expansion; implementing, enforcing and proposing improvements to the City’s tree regulations; providing tree maintenance services including 24/7 response to tree emergencies on City properties and public streets; tree planting and expansion of urban forest services; measurement and assessment of urban forest coverage, health and services; offering community education and stewardship programs; and oversight and support of the City’s volunteer advisory tree board. Portland is a Tree City USA for 45 years, a Tree City of the World and the Urban Forestry program is accredited by the Society of Municipal Arborists.


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. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
As of October 18, 2021, all City employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This is required for all positions at the City of Portland. Proof of being fully vaccinated is required by date of hire. You may request an exception, for health or religious reasons, from getting the COVID-19 vaccine at the time a position is offered.

Work Location
Many positions within the City are designated as hybrid and currently the City requires you to work in-person one day per week. Beginning in April 2023, most hybrid employees will be expected to perform at least half of their work in-person.

The City is offering an optional information meeting for this recruitment. Please see the Additional Information section below for details.  

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their responses to the supplemental questions and résumé how their education, training, and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications: 


  1. Knowledge of and experience with urban tree planting, management, and care.

              (Botanic Specialist II is advanced in this knowledge). 

  1. Professional or lived experience partnering and collaborating with historically marginalized communities. 

  1. Experience communicating with diverse external and internal audiences, through writing, public speaking, and providing customer service.

  1. Experience conducting field work and collecting data. 


Applicants must also possess: 

  1. Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per City/State mandate or have an approved exception by date of hire. 

  1. A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire. 

  1. The ability to perform both office and outdoor work in all weather conditions; 

  1. The ability to sit, stand, walk over uneven terrain;  

  1. The ability to stoop or bend;  

  1. And the ability to lift up to 25 pounds. 

The Recruitment Process

An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in your resume and responses 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. 

 
Recruitment Activity Schedule: 

  • Job Posting closes: 2/17/2023 - UPDATED
  • Applications Reviewed: Approximately every 2 weeks
  • Next Eligible List / Notices Generated: week of 2/13/2023
  • Final Eligible List Generated: week of 2/20/23
  • Interviews: Mid February, then periodically until filled
  • Job Offer: Late February to April 2023

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Application Instructions 

Applicants must submit a professional resume and responses to the supplemental questions online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions: 

  • 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 résumé 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 résumé 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. 

Additional Information

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 


Contact Information 
Anna Morgan, Senior Recruiter 
Bureau of Human Resources 
Anna.Morgan@portlandoregon.gov 


OPTIONAL INFORMATION SESSION 

To assist you in understanding this position and the recruitment process, we will offer an Optional Information Session that will provide you with details about the position and about the application process. 


Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - NEW DATE!

 

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
 
This summary outlines the benefit programs, actual benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

The City of Portland offers a comprehensive benefit package that is competitive with other private and public sector employers.

More detailed information can be obtained by calling the Benefits & Wellness Office at 503-823-6031.
 
  • A choice of two medical/vision plans and two dental plans.
  • Coverage is available to benefits-eligible employees, their spouse/domestic partner and eligible dependent children up to age 26.
  • For full time employees, the City pays 95% of the cost of coverage, you pay 5%.
  • The part-time employees' cost is pro-rated based on the number of hours in the employee's regular work schedule.
  • We offer many on-site fitness center locations and classes, stretching,
  • discounts to local fitness clubs,
  • smoking cessation benefits,
  • chronic care coaching programs,
  • worksite wellness screenings and flu shots.
  • Basic life insurance at no cost to full time employees.
  • Levels of coverage are based on bargaining units, employment status and/or annual salaries.
    • Supplemental life insurance - employees may purchase up to $500,000 for themselves
    • up to $300,000 for their spouse or domestic partner.
    • up to $25,000 for dependent children.
    • This coverage is portable upon retirement or separation. There are some limitations on coverage level.
  • Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Long Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of your basic monthly earnings up to $3,333 per month.
  • The benefit is available 60 days from the onset of the approved disability, or exhaustion of sick leave, whichever is later.
  • Preexisting condition limitations do apply.
  • Employees may also purchase an additional 20% (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.
Short-Term Disability
  • Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Short-Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of pre-disability earnings for eligible employees
  • The benefit is available after a 14-day waiting period, and can continue for 90 days.
  • Pre-existing condition limitations do apply.
  • Employees may also purchase an additional 20% benefit (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) provides confidential counseling services for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Effective July 1, 2013, the plan provides up to five free visits per year.
  • Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) allows you to make pre-tax contributions to your account to pay for eligible medical/dental/vision expenses which are not paid by your health insurance (deductibles, co-pays, etc.)
  • Dependent Care Account Program (DCAP) allows you to pay for your eligible dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. The maximum allowable you may contribute to this plan is $5,000. 
  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
    • The City currently pays the employee's share of the retirement contribution.
    • Employees who are OPSRP members are vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65 (age 60 for police and fire.)
  • Option to contribute a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis to the City's Deferred Compensation Program.
Paid Leave
  • 112 hours of vacation each year initially. This accrual will increase over time.
  • Sick leave typically accrues up to a maximum rate of 40 hours per calendar year
  • 10 paid holidays each year
  • Three personal days accrue each year
Family Medical Leave

In accordance with federal and state law, and the City policy for family medical leave, the City grants family and medical leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical related reasons.
 
  • City's TRIP Reduction Incentive Program (for transportation options)

01
Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step to assist us in determining if you have the minimum qualifications to succeed in the posted vacancy.

Write specific and unique responses to each question. Answering "No", to any of the Yes/No questions or answering an essay questions with the following "See resume", or entering "N/A" for any of the minimum qualifications listed in the "To Qualify" section may eliminate you from further consideration.

Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.


Have you read and understood all the information listed above?
  • Yes
  • No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.
02
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
03
The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)
  • My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.
  • You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.
04
I have read the City of Portland's COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
  • I plan to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine requirement by being fully vaccinated by my hire date and submitting proof of vaccination, or by asking for a religious/medical exception.
  • I do not plan to be vaccinated or ask for a religious/medical exception for the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.
05
Do you have knowledge and experience with urban tree planting, management, and care?
  • Yes
  • No
06
Provide a detailed example(s) of your knowledge and experience with urban tree planting, management, and care.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge, skill, or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
07
Do you have professional or lived experience partnering and collaborating with historically marginalized communities?
  • Yes
  • No
08
Provide a detailed example(s) of your professional or lived experience partnering and collaborating with historically marginalized communities.

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge, skill, or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
09
Do you have experience communicating with diverse external and internal audiences, through writing, public speaking, and providing customer service?
  • Yes
  • No
10
Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience communicating with diverse external and internal audiences, through writing, public speaking, and providing customer service?

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge, skill, or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
11
Do you have experience conducting field work and collecting data?
  • Yes
  • No
12
Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience conducting field work and collecting data?

In your response, include details that clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:
  • Examples of when you used the knowledge, skill, or ability.
  • Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).
  • Skills, training, transferable skills or lived experience you have that will help you in this area.
  • Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill, or ability.
13
Will you have a valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Please note the following question will not be considered during minimum qualifications. The information provided will be utilized after the eligible list is created. Please indicate for which position(s) you would like to be considered. You may select all positions if you wish. If you select any of the Botanic Specialist II positions, please answer question 16.
  • Science and Policy - Botanic Specialist I
  • Science and Policy - Botanic Specialist II
  • Planting - Botanic Specialist I
  • Planting - Botanic Specialist II
15
Limited Duration positions are budgeted for 2 years or less with full benefits. Are you interested in Limited Duration positions?
  • Yes
  • No
16
Please note the following question will not be considered during minimum qualifications. The information provided will be utilized after the eligible list is created. Although not required, if you want to be considered for the Botanic Specialist II positions please describe your experience and skills in project management, including leading staff, creating workplans, and evaluating program effectiveness.

Required Question

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