Tribal Planner

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 
 
Can you add to the growing body of work Metro is implementing with its new Tribal Affairs Agenda by helping to develop and execute processes to improve consultation, communication, and coordination with Tribal Governments in key activities and projects in Metro Parks and Nature? Are you passionate about centering voices who have previously historically marginalized in government decision making?
 
If so, we seek a compassionate, organized individual who has experience working with Tribal Governments on topics including cultural resources and natural resources protection to support Metro’s efforts to develop meaningful relationships with Tribes. The Tribal Planner position is a new position in Metro’s Parks and Nature department, responsible for assisting with implementation the 2019 Parks and Nature Bond, Metro’s new Tribal Affairs Agenda and ongoing parks and program work.  
 
The Tribal Planner will work in partnership with Parks and Nature leadership and staff, and with Metro’s tribal liaison and Government Affairs team.  Previous experience with racial equity or social justice frameworks is critical to success of this position so that the program can advance the outcome measures of the Bond and Parks and Nature in a manner respectful of tribal sovereignty.

The four major areas of work will be: Planning and Project Support, including creating and monitoring accountability measures for successful projects; Policy Development; Communication and Coordination with Tribal Governments; and Training and Technical Assistance for Metro Staff and Partners. 
 
The incumbent will regularly work with staff from Tribal Governments, other Metro staff across the agency, and local governments to help provide opportunities to comment and influence the way that Parks and Nature programs and projects are developed and implemented. A critical aspect of this work and role includes representing Metro in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.
 
As the Parks and Nature Tribal Planner you will:

• Act as a primary point of contact for Tribes and Tribal Staff to coordinate and disseminate information on Parks and Nature projects and program activities.
• Track and resolve issues, questions and/or concerns.
• Plan for and gather information from across Parks and Nature to assemble an annual program of work, to hold regular consultation meetings with Tribes and Tribal Staff where Metro projects can be reviewed and discussed, and Tribal guidance regarding stewardship and co-management can be incorporated into Metro’s efforts.
• Provide general and project-specific input on information or processes suggested from Tribes to protect and/or restore natural, cultural, or historic resources of interest to Tribes.
• Provide coordination or administrative support for required Tribal notification letters, communication, or engagement.
• Assist with development of agency and department policy related to tribal relations in coordination with Metro’s tribal liaison.
• Provide regular Tribal Affairs updates to PN leadership, programs, and staff on policy changes or implementation efforts.
• Develop internal resources and institutional knowledge, understanding and awareness about tribal interests, priorities, and concerns regarding natural, cultural, or historic resources in the Metro boundary area and Parks and Nature program implementation.
• Coordinate with other Metro staff and programs to support Tribal interests.
• Plan, schedule and organize site visits, special events, and other activities with Tribal Government partners in coordination with Metro’s tribal liaison.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and performance standards to assure the efficiency and effectiveness of activities, and compliance with Metro Code, provisions of the bond measure and policies established by the Metro Council in coordination with the Parks and Nature leadership team.

Attributes for success:

• Demonstrated ability to work with Tribal Governments in a culturally appropriate manner
• Knowledge of local, Oregon and Federal Indian law and policy, and historic and cultural resources and natural resources policy, related laws and regulations.
• Ability to advise on and support tribal consultation and tribal relations.
• Strong planning experience to organize and coordinate multiple complex projects or programs.
• Ability to develop comprehensive reports and strategic plans regarding complex planning and development issues and projects involving park development, natural area restoration, and funding support of local park providers.
• Understanding of Racial Equity and Environmental Justice frameworks.
• Strong leadership skills with the demonstrated ability to build consensus among diverse groups, work with local governments, elected officials, staff, community organizations, the media and special interest groups regarding sensitive and/or complex issues.
• Strong cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to coordinate closely with a broad range of internal and external team members, agency departments, Tribal governments, staff and representatives, and Metro stakeholders to efficiently advance an agenda and deliver projects. 
• Ability to build alliances and collaborate across boundaries; Ability to interact with others with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to analyze social, cultural and/or political factors to advise on agency policy development, relationship development and complex project actions or implementation.

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: 

• Bachelor's degree public administration, Native American Studies, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for knowledge and skills and relevant work experience field; AND
• Two years of experience in Tribal Government Relations or Planning; OR
• We will consider any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

 
COVID-19 vaccination requirement:
Metro is committed to ensuring the health and safety for our employees and our community. As a part of this commitment, Metro has implemented a vaccine requirement policy for employees, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers.  
 
Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants. This proof will be requested during the hiring process.
 
If you require an accommodation under this policy for a medical condition or disability, or sincerely held religious belief, please email benefits.help@oregonmetro.gov.
 
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 qualifications:
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.

• Strong racial equity and social justice analysis experience to change parks and nature systems and enhance experiences and business opportunities accessible to diverse communities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with or for Tribal Governments.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in planning complex and/or park construction management projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the biological and social values of open space and parks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, theories and practices of sustainable planning, public involvement processes and geographic information systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public policy development processes and practices and the ability to communicate with individuals and groups regarding complex and controversial issues.
• Previous experience effectively managing and communicating politically sensitive projects and information.

 
COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION
Based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements, Metro’s internal equity review process, and the candidates’ qualifications, the appointment will typically be made between minimum pay range step 1 $73,132.80 to the equity range step 4 $84,739.20. The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $73,132.80 – step 7 $98,092.80 annually.
 
This position is eligible for overtime, and is represented by AFSCME 3580  It is classified as an Associate Regional Planner (Download PDF reader). 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
• A cover letter detailing the following (no more than 600 words):
  • How your knowledge, skills, abilities, and lived experience make you a good fit for the position.  
  • How your understanding of Tribal sovereignty and/or cultural resource protection can advance Metro’s goal of meaningful coordination, consultation, and co-creation of Metro policy with Tribes.

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
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

 
Questions?

Recruiter: Kara Hill 
Email: Kara.Hill@oregonmetro.gov