Risk Specialist I
Salary
$37.86 - $53.44 Hourly
Location
Multiple Locations, OR
Job Type
Regular
Job Number
2026-00598
Bureau
Portland Parks & Recreation
Opening Date
06/29/2026
Closing Date
7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
The Position
The City of Portland is recruiting to fill current and future Risk Specialist I vacancies across the city.
Risk Specialist I may perform work in the following bureaus: Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Bureau of Transportation, and the Bureau of Environmental Services.
The current vacancy is with Portland Parks & Recreation.
Job Appointment: Full-time, regular
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am-5 pm. Work hours will vary to meet business needs.
Work Location: Hybrid; Employees are expected to work on site 50% of the time. Remote work must be performed within Oregon or Washington. For the current vacancy in Parks & Recreation, in-person work will be conducted at 33 NW Naito and Davis.
Union Representation: AFSCME-189. To view current labor agreements, click here.
Starting Pay: Applicants start at the entry rate. If you are an AFSCME/DCTU-represented employee, see the labor agreement or contact your labor representative for additional information.
Position Summary:
The PP&R Risk Specialist I supports the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Program, which operates in uniquely complex conditions due to the open, public nature of parks, diverse field operations, and a large seasonal workforce. The role requires independent judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to take initiative within established procedures.
Across the City, Risk Specialist I positions support bureau safety, compliance, and risk-management functions. While duties vary by operational environment, the role consistently focuses on reducing risk exposure, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting employees through safety-related processes.
What you'll do in PP&R:
Assist with annual evaluation of assigned safety policies, programs, and performance metrics.
Design, conduct, and assess occupational health and safety training for field and office staff.
Track, maintain, and analyze data from internal systems such as incident reports and workers' compensation records.
Follow up with employees involved in claims, injuries, or accidents.
Perform accident and workplace safety investigations and recommend corrective actions.
Conduct inspections of parks, facilities, and field operations to ensure compliance and identify improvements.
Track ergonomic program activity and assist with office workstation evaluations.
What youll do in other roles throughout the City:
Assist with bureau compliance efforts, including implementing safety programs and preparing regulatory documentation.
Receive, review, and maintain records of incidents and accidents; analyze trends and prepare briefings.
Support claim intake, follow-up, and case documentation.
Research and route general liability claims; maintain legal hold records.
Maintain Learning Management System (LMS) data and notify staff of overdue requirements.
Track commercial driver licensure and medical certification expirations.
Research reported safety issues, evaluate validity, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Report during inclement weather or emergency events; may serve in an ICS role.
About the Bureau:
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is committed to the overall Citywide vision that race will have no detrimental effect on people of color, refugees, and immigrant communities in accessing our parks and natural areas, or from the benefit of our services. We recognize, understand, and encourage celebration of the differences that surround us. Diversity and equity are vital to PP&R's ideals and values. The City of Portland, Oregon, is a growing and diverse city of 650,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. PP&R values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates who can fluently speak another language to include that information in their application materials. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity
Meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter to learn more about this position, how to apply, and what its like to work with the City of Portland.
Topic: Meet & Greet: Risk Specialist I
Time: Jul 8, 2026 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82527275224
(Note: All note-taking apps are not permitted. If you need ADA accommodations, please contact the recruiter below.)
To Qualify
Applicants must demonstrate how their education, training, and experience meet each of the minimum qualifications listed below:
Preferred Qualifications:
The Recruitment Process
How to Apply:
If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven't requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application. Once we verify your eligibility, we'll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications.
What to Expect
Additional Information
Learn More About:
We're committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process. If you need assistance with your application or would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, please contact the recruiter listed below.
Questions? Were here to help!
If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance, contact:
Amanda Hillebrecht, Senior Recruiter
Amanda.Hillebrecht@portlandoregon.gov
Bureau of Human Resources
A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
AND SO MANY MORE!
Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers.
01
Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Portland. We appreciate your time and aim to make your application experience as positive as possible.
The following supplemental questions are an important part of the examination and selection process. Your responses help us determine whether you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
Please provide complete and thorough answers in the space provided. Incomplete responses may result in disqualification from the examination. Additionally, the selections you make and the information you provide must accurately reflect what is documented in your resume.
Have you read and understood the information listed above?
02
Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)
03
The City of Portland sometimes gets requests for public records. Please choose the response that best fits your preference:
(Your choice will not affect your application process.)
04
Minimum Qualification 1: Please describe your knowledge of the policies and methods of risk management, public health, communicable disease transmission, injury prevention, and basic OSHA compliance standards. (Limit your response to 1-2 paragraphs)
05
Minimum Qualification 2: Please describe your experience designing, conducting, and evaluating occupational health and safety internal audits, best practices, and conformance/compliance with occupational health/safety regulations (Limit your response to 1-2 paragraphs)
06
Minimum Qualification 3: Please describe your ability to conduct research on occupational health and safety management systems, including prevention, control issues, evaluate alternatives, and reach conclusions and recommendations for improvement. (Limit your response to 1-2 paragraphs)
07
Minimum Qualification 4: Please describe your experience in analyzing data, identifying program needs, and making recommendations to resolve issues. (Limit your response to 1-2 paragraphs)
08
Minimum Qualification 5: Please describe your experience communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, including developing and delivering end-user training, presenting information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively. (Limit your response to 1-2 paragraphs)
09
Preferred Qualifications: Although not required for this position, please provide details for any of the following preferred qualifications. Information provided in this section will not be considered during the minimum qualification review.
Required Question
Employer City of Portland
Address 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987
Portland, Oregon, 97204