Community Gardens Assistant Program Specialist
Salary $4,239.00 - $6,527.00 Monthly
Location 6437 SE Division St, OR
Job Type Full Time
Bureau Portland Parks and Recreation
Job Number 2017-00939
Closing 12/18/2017 11:59 PM Pacific
Portland Parks & Recreation's Community Gardens Program seeks an Assistant Program Specialist who is responsible for administrative operations and provides support to four staff, 100 volunteer garden managers, and 2,500 community gardeners representing more than 21 language groups. Responsibilities include accurately and efficiently processing, daily, a high volume of client correspondence and data including program registrations and scholarship applications, maintaining client records in multiple software platforms, and responding to requests for information. This position will develop and streamline standard business practices to improve operational efficiency and culturally responsive customer service.
The Assistant Program Specialist is the primary point of contact for the program and must be able to communicate professionally and effectively via email, phone, and in person with persons of all ages, races, beliefs, health, personal temperament, and life circumstances. Additional responsibilities include educating clients about garden program policies, interpreting policies, and assisting with policy enforcement. This position will generate and update program materials including newsletters, marketing materials, social media, registration materials, and web content. Planning, scheduling and supporting multi-lingual registration and outreach events is a responsibility of this position.
Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience with the following proficiencies: learning and mastering multiple software platforms including Microsoft Office Suite programs; identifying and implementing business process improvements; excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently; working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds; and knowledge of issues relating to anti-racism and cultural competency. Basic knowledge of vegetable gardening or farming is desired. Some evening and weekend work is required. Bilingual Spanish/English or Russian/English candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Portland, Oregon is a growing and diverse city of 620,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. The successful candidate will have experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Portland Parks & Recreation values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates that can fluently speak another language to include that information in their resume. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
The City is offering an optional information meeting for this recruitment. Please see the Additional Information section below for details.
To Qualify
The following minimum qualifications are required and should be reflected in your cover letter and resume:
- Experience communicating effectively, orally and in writing with people from a variety of different cultures and diverse perspectives.
- Knowledge and experience using standard business word processing and data management software and maintaining a large volume of data files, records and documentation.
- Experience analyzing program, administrative, operational and procedural problems; evaluating alternatives; reaching sound, logical, fact-based conclusions; and implementing solutions.
- Experience exercising independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
The Recruitment Process
An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in their cover letter and resume weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on an 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.
Additional Information
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a cover letter and professional résumé 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 cover letter will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
- Your cover letter 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 the cover letter.
- If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your cover letter 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.
Your résumé and cover letter should be no more than a total of four (4) pages combined.
Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than 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.
If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215 and / or Veteran's Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veteran's Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment you apply for.
Veteran's Preference documentation must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment.
Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at time of application.
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. If you wish to identify yourself as an individual with a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and will be requesting accommodation, the requests must be made to the Analyst(s) named below No Later Than the Closing Date of This Announcement.
Questions?
Tamara Larison, Senior Human Resources Analyst,
Bureau of Human Resources
Tamara.Larison@portlandoregon.gov
(503) 823-3523
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
OPTIONAL INFORMATION SESSION(S)
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. You are not required to attend to apply for this job, but attending will help you with the application process. You are welcome to join us for this optional information session:
Hollywood Library
Community Room
4040 NE Tillamook St
Portland, OR 97212
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
6:30 – 7:30 pm