Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Civil Service Board
City of Portland
FreshPosted Feb 23
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Posted: February 23, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Sustainability and Climate Commission
City of Portland
Office of Community & Civic Life
Location
Portland, Oregon, 97204
Salary
Not specified
Type
Full-Time
More Other jobs →Closes
March 24, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This volunteer role on the City of Portland's Sustainability and Climate Commission lets young people aged 16-24 help shape the city's plans to fight climate change and promote sustainability, with a strong emphasis on fairness for all communities.
Volunteers advise city leaders, review environmental policies, and join discussions on topics like renewable energy, waste reduction, and urban planning.
It's ideal for motivated youth who care about the environment, equity, and community involvement, even if they lack prior experience.
Key Requirements
- Live in the City of Portland
- Aged 16-24 (youth seats only)
- Not a current City of Portland staff member
- Available to attend monthly meetings on weekday evenings (third Thursday, 6-8 pm, online or in-person)
- Committed to a one-year term with 3-4 hours per meeting plus preparation time
- Interest in shaping climate action plans and advocating for racial equity and environmental justice
- Willing to participate in discussions, public hearings, and community advocacy
Full Job Description
APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c8c1e18397a209c8b687612cd6bff
The Sustainability and Climate Commission (Commission) advances climate action across the City with a focus on environmental justice and accountability.
The Commission's chief responsibility is to create and evaluate the City's Climate Action Plan.
This means identifying specific actions to accomplish our sustainability and climate goals, outlining expected outcomes, and holding the City accountable to those commitments.
The Sustainability and Climate Commission has 9 focus areas:
- Buildings and homes
- Climate change resiliency and adaptation
- Energy and renewables
- Environmental justice and equity
- Green workforce and labor
- Urban forest, natural systems, and carbon management
- Urban form and transportation
- Waste prevention, recycling, and solid waste
- Youth
Commission 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 the Commission by City staff
- Reviewing, evaluating, and providing recommendations on past and current climate programs and policies
- Convening joint meetings with other advisory bodies
- Advocating to external decision-making bodies
Number of seats available: 4 dedicated youth seats (ages 16-24) for one-term terms. 3 are full Commissioner positions and 1 is an alternate position.
Total number of seats on the Commission: 20, of which four are dedicated youth seats (ages 16-24), and four alternates.
Requirements
To be eligible for the Sustainability and Climate Commission, members must live in the City of Portland and not be City staff.
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 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.
- Minimum meeting frequency is once per month to take place on weekday evenings. Currently regular meetings are scheduled on every third Thursday of each month from 6-8 pm online and in-person at the Portland Building.
- Members are involved for the following terms:
- Four youth seats: one-year
- 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.
Qualifications
APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019c8c1e18397a209c8b687612cd6bffApplications are due on March 23, 2026. Please use the Smartsheet link to apply.
For “Interests and Experiences” questions, written and/or video responses are accepted. Any other attachments are also accepted as supplemental information (e.g., resume, examples of work, etc.). You may need to email videos and/or attachments to sccinfo@portlandoregon.gov.
Applications will be reviewed beginning March 2026. Interviews will take place on April 13 through April 24, 2026.
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).
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.
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