Position summary

The Native Plant Center has an opening for a variable hour assistant. In this role you will have the opportunity to participate in the conservation of rare and uncommon Northwest native herbaceous species, learn and exercise basic plant identification skills and work with professionals in the local restoration community.

The Native Plant Center Assistant supports Metro’s Conservation Program through the production of native herbaceous plant materials. Responsibilities include weeding, seed collection, seed processing and other farm/nursery tasks that advance conservation efforts within the Metro region.

Duration: July-November, variable hour employees are limited to 1040 hours of work in a 12 month period.

Schedule: 8:00AM – 4:30PM, Monday-Friday (24-32 hours per week)

Reporting location: Borland Field Station, 2661 SW Borland Road Tualatin, OR 97062

As the Native Plant Center Assistant you will:

• Maintain seed increase beds: weeding, mulching, watering, pest management and other associated tasks.
• Harvest ripe seed from seed increase beds.
• Process farm harvested and wild collected seed.
• Utilize spreadsheets and a mobile app to track seed harvest, seed processing and nursery maintenance tasks.
• Safely operate and maintain electric and gas-powered tools/machinery.

Attributes for success:

• Knowledge of basic plant anatomy
• Racial equity, diversity and inclusion awareness including Able to contribute to a positive team atmosphere; engage others in ways that foster respect and trust
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, reach, bend, kneel, carry and push
• Able to work in outdoor environment
• Prioritizes assignments and able to work independently.
• Adapts to frequent changes in work load
• Regular and punctual attendance

Diversity and inclusion: At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.

TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Sufficient experience or training in basic grounds and building maintenance.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience (including the military) or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Experience working with plants in one or more of the following trades: farming, gardening, or landscaping.
• Current and valid driver's license

This position is considered to be variable hour. It is eligible for overtime and is represented by LIUNA 483 union. It is classified as a Laborer (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION
The Application Packet:The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed online application

The Selection Process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference Check

Questions?
Recruiter: Megan Warneke
Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.

Veterans' preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Metro participates in the State of Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and provides paid sick leave.