Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Civil Service Board

Full Job Description

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019bed48f743755590b1f65f53b4af61

The Civil Service Board is a charter-mandated board that hears appeals to certain disciplinary and classification related matters.

In general, subject to rules on Hearings and Appeals, the Board shall:

• Review the suspension, demotion or discharge of a permanent employee, where the employee alleges that the discipline was for a political or religious reason, or was not made in good faith for the purpose of improving the public service.
• Review appeals of classification actions taken by the HR Director affecting an employee in the classified service, where such action is alleged to be without rational basis or contrary to law or rule or taken for a political reason.
• Review appeals of candidates for appointment or promotion to a position in the classified service, where applicant or job candidate alleges that the HR Director's decision was contrary to rules promulgated by the Director for examinations, or that the decision was contrary to law or for a political reason.

Total number of advisory seats: 3

Number of seats available: 3

Requirements

To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live 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.

• You believe you can reflect the perspective of labor, management, or the general public.
• You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.

Time Commitment

• The Board shall meet at such times and places as required by the needs of the board, but not less than quarterly.
• The term of office of each member of the Board shall be three years with the term of one Board member expiring every year. Board members may be reappointed for up to two additional terms.
• The anticipated time commitment is determined by the needs of the board, in addition to the quarterly meetings.
• Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, but not less than two weeks in advance of any hearing date.

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.

Qualifications

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019bed48f743755590b1f65f53b4af61

Applications are due by 11:59pm on Thursday, April 16, 2026

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact Marelle Wallace via email: Marelle.Wallace@portlandoregon.gov, or via phone call: 971-284-8074.

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 board at https://www.portland.gov/bhr/civil-service-board/about

Do you have questions or need more information? Email Kelly.Hess@portlandoregon.gov or call 971-917-7546