Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Portland Utility Board

Full Job Description

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c9813bf05741ab7f5a3832a0ca621

The Portland Utility Board’s purpose is to provide oversight to Portland Public Utilities including Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Water Bureau and advise City Council on behalf of the people of Portland on matters related to water, sewer, stormwater, and watershed services.

Some of the important work we’ve done recently includes providing feedback on the bureaus’ financial assistance programs, sewer and stormwater rate recommendations, and City organizational structure related to utilities, natural resources, and One Water.

The Board is composed of 11 voting members who typically serve three-year terms and 3 ex-officio non-voting members from the Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Water Bureau who serve 1-year terms and provide additional technical knowledge.

One voting member is reserved for a current employee of the Bureau of Environmental Services or Portland Water Bureau who is in a represented bargaining unit (union).

The Mayor and Council strive to have the Portland Utility Board reflect the diversity of Portland. Visit https://www.portland.gov/pub to learn more about the Portland Utility Board.

Total number of advisory seats: 11

Number of seats available: 2 (1 labor represented, 1 community)

Requirements

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

Serving on the Portland Utility Board (PUB) is a unique opportunity to give community voice, perspective, and influence on the budget and policy decisions of the Portland Water Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Services, and City Council.

What We Look For
The Portland Utility Board is looking to build a board that reflects a broad range of perspectives, lived experiences, community connections, and volunteer and work experience, allowing the Board to provide balanced oversight to help the Utilities meet the needs of the community they serve. The Board looks for members who will advocate for communities they represent and are connected to as well as give voice to those who are not in the room.

Portland Utility Board Members have the opportunity to gain knowledge about the inner workings of the Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services; the policy and budget issues related to water, sewer and stormwater; as well as how City government works.

As a member you would have the chance to use and develop your skills and experience working on a collaborative board and presenting recommendations to Bureau leadership and elected officials.

Please apply if any of these describe you:

• You are an advocate for anti-racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice.
• You believe in the value of contributing to the community and to good governance.
• You have an interest in water, sewer, storm water, affordability, public and watershed health, building resilience, or environmental justice in this time of climate crisis.
• You are committed to collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

No prior experience serving on boards or working with utilities is necessary, just an interest in and commitment to these topics. You might have just the experience, skill, or interest to complement the team!

Time Commitment
Term length – Three-year term to begin summer 2026 and end in 2029.

Board members estimate the monthly time commitment to be 7-15 hours, depending on optional participation in projects. Some additional details are available online.

Monthly meetings: Board work is primarily conducted in two monthly board meetings during standard business hours.

Currently, the Board meets virtually on the first Tuesdays, 3:30pm to 5:00pm, and third Thursdays, 11:00am to 12:30pm.

Time and location subject to change by a Board decision and support provided to allow participation, whether virtual or in-person.

Outside of Meetings: Members generally commit approximately 4 hours per month reviewing materials to prepare for meetings, participating in Administrative Review Committees, and/or working on special projects or subcommittees.

Onboarding: New members may need approximately 4-10 hours for initial onboarding and training, available virtually and can take place over the first few months of service.

We Remove Barriers
Below is information about some participation supports we provide. Don’t let a barrier deter you from applying! If we missed something let us know. Please contact Board support staff with any requests, questions, or concerns so we can address them together.

Virtual meetings – Meetings are currently conducted virtually via Zoom with automated captioning.

Participation requires an internet connection as well as a computer, tablet, or smartphone capably of supporting audio and video running the Zoom application.

If technology requirements for serving on the Board present a barrier for you, please do not let that stop you from applying. Contact Board staff so we can support your technology needs.

Transportation and food – If meeting in person, TriMet and/or parking passes will be available. Food that accommodates dietary needs may also be provided.

Interpretation and translation – We are readily able to provide interpretation and translation to support your participation on the PUB.

Materials in an alternative format, auxiliary aids, or other accommodations – We are readily able to provide materials in an alternative format, auxiliary aids, or other accommodations to support your participation on the PUB.

It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any City program, service, or activity on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, or other protected class status.

Adhering to Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II civil rights laws, the City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities, by reasonably providing: translation and interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, and auxiliary aids and services.

To request these services, or to file a complaint of discrimination, contact utilityboard@portlandoregon.gov, or call 971-313-0999, or 311 (503-823-4000), for Relay Service and TTY: 711.

Volunteer Ethics
People who join this committee will become what we call “Public Officials,” which means that while you serve you must behave fairly 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/019c9813bf05741ab7f5a3832a0ca621

Applications are due by 11:59pm on April 1, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 1, 2026. Interviews will take place in April 2026.

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at JonnaLynn.Bransford@portlandoregon.gov or 971-313-0999.

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 Portland Utility Board. https://www.portland.gov/pub

Do you have questions or need more information? Email JonnaLynn.Bransford@portlandoregon.gov or 971-313-0999.