Botanic Technician I - Generalist (Protect...

In addition to PTB-focused work, the technician performs routine, planned, and emergency field operations; maintains and operates field equipment; and collects and enters data using PP&R asset systems, City applications, and GIS tools. The position also supports volunteer stewardship events and collaborates with Youth Corps crews as needed.

The eligible list created from this recruitment may also be used to fill future Botanic Technician I positions throughout the City.

As a Botanic Technician I, you will:

• Restore and maintain habitat through native plant identification, planting, site preparation, and plant care.

• Identify, monitor, and control invasive vegetation using manual, mechanical, and herbicide-based methods, including EDRR for emerging species.

• Perform ecological restoration and habitat enhancement to support native vegetation establishment.

• Conduct wildfire fuels reduction by removing ladder fuels, woody debris, and invasive vegetation to mitigate wildfire risk.

• Maintain natural-area access through debris removal, basic infrastructure upkeep, and assigned emergency response activities.

• Operate and maintain field equipment, including hand tools, chainsaws, backpack sprayers, power equipment, and work vehicles.

• Safely traverse steep, remote terrain while completing field tasks in all conditions.

• Collect and input field data using digital tools, GIS, and City asset systems.

• Support volunteer stewardship events in natural-area settings.

• Assist Youth Corps crews during field projects.

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.

Virtual Zoom Meet & Greet Opportunity

Come meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter! We’ll be talking about the position’s duties and responsibilities, day-to-day life in the role, reviewing the announcement, discussing how to apply, and answering any questions you may have about the position.

Topic: Meet & Greet: Botanic Technician I - Generalist

Time: May 20, 2026 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

The PTB Botanic Technician I must demonstrate strong situational awareness, independent field judgment, adaptability, and the ability to work safely in dynamic natural-area environments., + Experience working effectively as part of a team, communicating in alignment with the City’s Core Values, and following established policies and procedures.

• Experience in identifying and controlling undesirable vegetation using manual, cultural, mechanical, and/or herbicide-based methods.

• Knowledge of basic ecological restoration and natural-area stewardship practices.

• Experience using standard field tools and equipment such as hand tools, handheld power equipment, and backpack sprayers.

• Experience collecting and entering field data into digital systems (e.g., spreadsheets, mobile apps, or basic GIS/GPS platforms).

• Ability to perform fieldwork independently, adapt to changing conditions, and complete tasks safely and effectively.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record (https://www.portlandoregon.gov/citycode/article/12184) .

• The ability to pass a Pre-Hire Evaluation (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/prehire-evaluation) -this may include a medical exam, screenings, and a Physical Capacities Test (PCT)-after an offer of employment has been made and accepted.

• Oregon Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator certifications (Laws and Safety and Forestry categories), or the ability to obtain them within three months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in ecological restoration or natural-resource management beyond basic field tasks.

• Experience with wildfire-fuels mitigation or wildfire-preparedness activities.

• Chainsaw certification or advanced equipment operation experience (e.g., skid steers, power wheelbarrows).

• Skill in identifying native and invasive plant species in Pacific Northwest ecosystems.

• Proficiency using GIS, Field Maps, GPS units, or digital field-data tools.

• Experience working in remote, steep, or off-trail natural area environments.

• Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification., Do you have experience working effectively as part of a team, communicating in alignment with organizational values, and following established policies and procedures?, Provide a detailed example(s)of your experience working effectively as part of a team, communicating in alignment with organizational values, and following established policies and procedures.

In your response, include details which 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.

06

Do you have experience identifying and controlling undesirable vegetation using manual, cultural, mechanical, and/or herbicide-based methods?, Provide a detailed example(s)of your experience identifying and controlling undesirable vegetation using manual, cultural, mechanical, and/or herbicide-based methods.

In your response, include details which 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.

08

Do you have knowledge of basic ecological restoration and natural area stewardship practices?, Provide a detailed example(s)of your knowledge of basic ecological restoration and natural area stewardship practices?

In your response, include details which 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.

10

Do you have experience using and performing basic maintenance on landscaping and infrastructure maintenance tools, including hand tools, handheld power equipment, backpack sprayers, and operator-driven equipment such as power wheelbarrows and/or skid steers?

• Yes

• No

11

Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience using and performing basic maintenance on landscaping and infrastructure maintenance tools, including hand tools, handheld power equipment, backpack sprayers, and operator driven equipment such as power wheelbarrows and/or skid steers.

In your response, include details which 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.

12

Do you have experience collecting field data and accurately entering information into digital systems?, + Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer).

• The impact and/or results of your of experience.

• 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.

14

Do you have experience completing standard work tasks with a degree of autonomy, including selecting appropriate tools and managing logistics within defined procedures?, Provide a detailed example(s) of your experience completing standard work tasks with a degree of autonomy, including selecting appropriate tools and managing logistics within defined procedures?

In your response, include details which 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.

16

Do you have a valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record?, This and all future questions will not be used in the minimum qualification review. Do you have experience in ecological restoration or natural resource management beyond basic field tasks?, Do you have experience with wildfire fuels mitigation or wildfire preparedness activities?, Do you have chainsaw certification or experience operating advanced field equipment such as skid steers or power wheelbarrows?, Do you have skill in identifying native and invasive plant species in Pacific Northwest ecosystems?, Do you have experience working in remote, steep, or off trail natural area environments?

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

• Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)

This Botanic Technician I role is part of City Nature West - Land Stewardship, with a primary assignment to the Protect the Best (PTB) program. PTB’s mission is to prevent the spread of invasive species, protect intact ecosystems, improve habitat resiliency, and reduce wildfire risk across PP&R natural areas.