Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position – Portland Sustainability and Climate Commission

More information

The Position

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/81ad01732bc9496cb2b1e3eb342241bd

• The new Sustainability and Climate Commission (SCC) will elevate the importance of building resilience and sustainability in our communities to address the climate crisis. The SCC will:
• Be the City’s leading authority on climate and sustainability.
• Create accountability for the City and its service areas, as well as all Portlanders.
• Create the City’s Climate Action Plan and other guiding documents on climate.
• Advance the City’s efforts to mitigate the human-made climate crisis and prioritize environmental justice initiatives.
• Ensure the City is on track to meet established climate goals.
• Balance advisory, advocacy, and action in its charge.

 
The SCC will be a working body and will organize its work by 8 initial focus areas:

• Building and homes
• Climate change resiliency and adaptation
• Energy and renewables
• Environmental justice and equity
• Urban forest, natural systems, and carbon management
• Urban form and transportation
• Waste prevention, recycling, and solid waste
• Youth

 
Committee activities include:

• Advising City Council, the Mayor, and the City Administrator
• Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer
• Holding public hearings and discussions on climate and sustainability
• Briefings and work brought to SCC by City staff
• Reviewing, evaluating, and providing recommendations on past and current climate programs and policies
• Convening joint meetings with other advisory bodies

 
Total number of advisory seats: 20, of which four are dedicated youth seats (ages 16-24). Youth seats are for one-year terms. Eight of the remaining 16 seats will be for two-year appointments, and the other eight for three-year appointments. Nonvoting City staff member seats: six, Deputy City Administrators or their designees.

To Qualify

To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland.

What We Look For

We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed. We will provide onboarding.

You have expertise and/or demonstrable experience in one or more SCC focus areas. You want to inform, guide, and shape the City’s next climate action plan. You believe government is better when community is involved. You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before. You can bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most. You have a perspective on navigating the community as a person with a disability. You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.

Time Commitment

Minimum meeting frequency is once per month to take place on weekday evenings. The anticipated time per meeting is 3-4 hours with additional preparation time. Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, possibly as few as twenty-four hours (or one day) in advance.

Members are involved for the following terms:

• Four youth seats: one-year
• Eight seats: two-years
• Eight seats: three-years
• And no more than 8 consecutive years.

 
We Remove Barriers

Let us know if there are barriers to your participation. Dinner will be provided at evening meetings. Public transportation or parking passes will be available if you need those to fully participate.

Volunteer Ethics

People who join this committee will become what we call “Public Officials,” which means that while you serve you must behave fair and ethically. We will provide training on this once you are accepted. Part of following Public Officials Ethics laws means you must tell the group when you or a relative may financially benefit (or avoid fees) by your recommendations. This is called a “Conflict of Interest.” If you tell us about potential Conflicts of Interest that does not mean you cannot serve, in fact, many committees have potential members with Conflicts of Interest. We appreciate your ethical inclusion of possible Conflicts of Interest on the form included in the application.

The Recruitment Process

Applications are due by 11:59pm on Friday, January 17, 2025.

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/81ad01732bc9496cb2b1e3eb342241bd

For application questions 1-5, written and/or video responses are accepted. Any other attachments are also accepted as supplemental information (e.g., resume, examples of work, etc.).

Applications will be reviewed beginning January 2025. Interviews will take place on February 18 through March 14, 2025.

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at sccinfo@portlandoregon.gov or 503-260-4182 (text ok).

Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information

The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Completing the demographic information on the application is voluntary, but we encourage you to provide that information. The City uses this information to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov

General Questions

For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the volunteer recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.

We Encourage You to Apply

We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the Sustainability and Climate Commission at Portland.gov/SCC. Do you have questions or need more information? Email sccinfo@portlandoregon.gov or call/text 503-260-4182.

Additional Information

Currently, many advisory bodies are meeting remotely due to COVID-19. In the future, meetings could: 1) be conducted fully remotely, or 2) be conducted remotely and in person (hybrid model). As the situation evolves, the exact meeting location may change based upon leadership direction and approval.

This is a newly established commission in a new form of government for the City of Portland. Location, logistics and other key aspects are subject to change from the publication of this application to the final appointment of Commission members, anticipated in May 2025.