Position Summary:

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) seeks to fill a Botanic Technician I-Trails position to support Portland Parks & Recreation’s City Nature Citywide unit and its 120 miles of soft-surface trails throughout the city.  The Botanic Technician I-Trails is the technical support/assistance level in the Botanic Technician series. Under general supervision, this role is responsible for implementing soft-surface trail maintenance and construction projects; signage and wayfinding; storm response; and providing on-site support to other PP&R staff, contractors, and volunteers. This position utilizes hand and power tools and small machinery. This position will support and interface closely with teams within City Nature (Both East and West Work Units) and will be housed within the City Nature Citywide Work Unit.  This position will advance the work of PP&R and City Nature by providing safe, sustainable access to nature and ongoing trail maintenance and support to our soft-surface trail system.     

What you'll get to do:

•  Utilize hand tools, power tools, and small machinery to construct, improve, and maintain tread surfaces, trail corridors, crib walls, drainage features, rock walls, turnpikes, etc.
• Assess and record trail conditions and provide input on potential repairs and needed maintenance.  
• Apply knowledge of sustainable trail construction and maintenance techniques and/or natural resources to assignments. 
• Work outdoors, typically 80% of your work would be spent in the field doing trail maintenance.
• Participate in routine trail maintenance activities like brushing, leaf removal, and tread and drainage improvements. 
• Utilize equipment such as small dump trucks, power wheelbarrows, chainsaws, etc.
• Respond to emergency situations regarding trails as access points to natural areas, including tree removal, emergency trail stabilization, posting temporary closure and detour information and hazardous materials mitigation.
• Utilize basic carpentry and construction skills to perform maintenance on trail-related infrastructure including fences, bridges, signage, and kiosks.
• Inventory, repair, and replace trail signage.
• Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders to implement trail maintenance projects.

To Qualify:

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

• Knowledge of techniques and practices of soft surface trail design, assessment, construction, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to utilize best practices in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion to create an inclusive team environment with staff and volunteers. 
• Ability to operate specialty equipment safely and properly, such as chainsaws, string trimmers, leaf blowers, mini-skid steers, and power wheelbarrows.
• Knowledge of trail construction, masonry, and carpentry techniques and practices.  
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively in a diverse team environment.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record. 
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods under unfavorable weather conditions, off-trail, and on uneven ground. 
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items (rocks, tools, plants, etc.) and pass a Physical Capacities Test upon job offer. 
• CPR and First Aid certification and/or willingness and ability to acquire certification within 6 months of hire. Training will be provided.
• Ability to receive USFS chainsaw certification within 6 months of hire. Training will be provided.
• Ability to work Saturdays: schedule is typically 7 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday

Although not required, you may have one or more of the following: 

• Experience leading volunteers and interacting with the public in high-use or urban settings.
• Natural resource management skills such as plant identification, habitat restoration, GIS mapping, navigating through remote terrain, etc. 
• Skills and experience towing trailers and trailering equipment.
• Skills and experience with a Toro Dingo or other mini-skid steers, and/or other mechanical trail building tools and techniques.