Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Urban Forestry Commission en City of Portland, OR

About the Department

The Urban Forestry Commission is comprised of 11 community members who volunteer their time to advise the City of Portland on matters pertaining to the urban forest including regulations, budget, policies and plans. It also acts as an appeals board for certain tree permits, nominates new and approves removal of Heritage Trees, and plays a significant role in updates to the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan.

Committee activities include:

• Review and provide input on plans, policies, and projects developed pursuant to other City Code provisions which contain elements or which affect matters related to urban forestry and other matters to ensure that the policies of the Urban Forest Management Plan are fully considered.
• Advise the City on the preparation and contents of the annual Forestry Division budget request.
• Consider and make recommendations to the City Council pertaining to:
  1. Proposed amendments to Title 11;
  2. Heritage Tree nominations; and
  3. Other City bureau budget proposals that may substantially affect programs relating to trees and the urban forest.

Total number of advisory seats: 11

Number of seats available: 2

Position Duties

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

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 have an interest in preserving and growing Portland’s tree canopy for current and future community members. 
• You have lived experience with trees in the City of Portland and have a perspective to share as a member on the Commission.
• You believe government is better when community is involved.
• You are available to attend meetings and participate in the discussions.

• Monthly meetings currently take place on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30-11:30AM in the Portland Building and virtually (hybrid meetings). 
• Commissioners are eligible to serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.
• The anticipated time commitment per week/month is about 4 hours a month.
• Members may serve on a sub-committee which may also meet monthly.
• Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials are typically sent for review one week prior to the monthly meeting.

Let us know if there are barriers to your participation. Public transportation or parking passes will be available if you need those to fully participate.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01997db218a47b29b4a20bffe7af9aad

Applications are due by 11:59pm on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Applications will be reviewed beginning December 9, 2025. 

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at [email protected] or (971) 288-9440.

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 [email protected]

For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the volunteer recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email [email protected]. 

We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the bureau. Urban Forestry Commission | Portland.gov

Do you have questions or need more information? Email [email protected] or (971) 288-9440.