Environmental Education Employment

Information
Portland Parks & Recreation's Director Adena Long joins YCC staff on a conservation project.
Portland Parks & Recreation engages the next generation of environmental leaders through volunteer naturalist training, paid work programs, nature-based camps, field trips, guided walks, and stewardship. The following is a list of Environmental Education volunteer and employment opportunities.
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Summer 2024 Job Application Update

We have numerous part-time and full-time summer opportunities each summer. All Summer 2024 positions have now been filled. We anticipate Summer 2025 job applications to be available next January. Visit the City of Portland's Job Opportunities page for more information or learn more about each of this summer's opportunities below.


Nature Day Camp - Educator I, II, and Lead Staff positions

Portland Parks & Recreation’s Nature Day Camp offers eight weeks of outdoor summer camps at five urban parks in Portland. Camps have a nature theme and offer an opportunity for educators to lead groups of children ages 5-12.  Here is a brief overview of the different roles during the summer. 

  • Nature Educators spend each day co-leading small groups of campers ages 5-12 as they learn about nature and explore Portland's parks and natural areas.
  • Team Leads lead and mentor small teams of campers and staff.
  • The Junior Educator Leads oversee the volunteer program for students ages 13-17.
  • Activities Leads plan and lead all camp activities such as: crafts, rotations, camp plays, and more!
  • Wellness Leads support the wellbeing and safety of all campers, help administer medication, and provide emotional support.
  • Site Leads organize all site logistics, help with weekly planning, and communicate with parents and staff. 

Status: Closed

Deadline: March 24, 2024

Eligibility for positions: Varies by position. Please visit the Nature Day Camp summer employment page.


Nature Day Camp - Junior Educator program

Learn the skills of teaching, mentoring, and caring for children in nature. No experience required, but teens should enjoy nature and being with children. 

Status: Applications open until May 12.  Learn more at the Junior Educator program page.

Eligibility: Ages 13-17, enjoy children and nature, no experience needed


Youth Conservation Crew - Crew Leader

Lead a group of teenagers ages 14-18 as they work on trees, trails, habitat, gardens, and more. Help teens develop a love of nature in the city, and the skills and knowledge they need to protect it. We are hiring 10 crew leaders to lead the Community Gardens Crew, Natural Area Crew – Eastside, Natural Area Crew – Westside, Trail Crew, and Tree Crew. 

Visit our website for more information about each crew and what it's like to be a crew leader. 

Work schedule:  Dates include June 10 - August 18, 2024. Working hours are Monday 8:30am - 2:30pm; Tuesday - Friday 7:30am - 3:30pm. Crew Leaders and Office Assistant may begin working earlier than June 12 on a flexible schedule if available.

Status: Closed

Deadline: March 22, 2024

Eligibility: Be at least 21 years old by June 10, 2024; driver's license preferred. See application above for additional qualifications.


Youth Conservation Crew - Crew Member

Work schedule:  Returning Crew Members start June 24 and new Crew Members start June 25. Crew Members work until August 9. Working hours are Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 2:30pm.

Status: Closed

Deadline: March 24, 2024

Eligibility: Age 14 - 18, willing and able to do hard work, dependable, excited to work with a diverse team, able to get to work sites on your own, and eligible to work in the United States.  


Additional employment and internship opportunities with Portland Parks & Recreation