PCEF Capacity Building and Community Grants Program Internship (Community Service Aide II)

Job Appointment: Casual
Work Schedule: Approximately 25-30 hours per week. Casual positions may not exceed 1400 hours per calendar year.
Work Location: This position reports to the Vanport Building 1810 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR.
Union Representation: Non-Represented

Position Summary:

The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) team at the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is seeking a Capacity Building and Grantmaking Program Intern (Community Service Aide II). The Capacity Building and Grantmaking Program Intern will provide research, administrative, and coordination support for a combination of internal and external facing responsibilities.  

This position is designed to provide hands-on experience in nonprofit capacity building, public sector grantmaking, organizational development, and community centered climate investments. The intern will contribute to meaningful projects while gaining exposure to program design, stakeholder engagement, research, evaluation, and public administrative practices.

Role & Responsibilities

The primary focus of the position will be supporting PCEF’s Capacity Building and Grantmaking program with research, administrative, and coordination support they implement a new capacity building program for nonprofit organizations (Strategic Program 10) and improve PCEF’s community grant program.

• Administrative Support. Assist with office tasks such as formatting documents to meet accessibility standards, preparing meeting materials, preparing detailed notes, scheduling, and supporting event or meeting planning and execution including community-based organization cohort program activities.
• Research and Data Analysis. Collect and analyze data from surveys or other grant data. collection, supporting documentation of processes, and formatting documents to meet accessibility standards.
• Implementing Independent Project. Design and implement an independent project related to capacity building or grantmaking program goals and the individual’s academic or professional interests.
• Process Support and Improvement. Assist with identifying and implementing program process improvements and support internal workflows to support grantmaking or accessing capacity building service providers by maintaining tracking information in the system.
• Team Participation. Participate in professional development opportunities including meetings with PCEF staff, grantmaking staff, community partners, service providers, and nonprofit leaders to better understand capacity building, climate action, and public sector funding systems.

This position presents an opportunity for an emerging leader interested in the public or nonprofit sector to design and experiment with creative strategies for process improvement and capacity building in addition to gaining skills in the areas of program design, stakeholder engagement, research, evaluation, and public sector practices.

About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund:
As a first-in-the-nation community-led climate fund, PCEF’s mission is to fulfill a vision that builds resilience and quality jobs with proactive steps to fight climate change while advancing social, economic, and environmental justice.  For more information on this innovative program, please visit the PCEF website.
 
About the Bureau 
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) is a leader in land use planning, climate action, environmental stewardship, and urban design. BPS centers racial equity in its work and is dedicated to creating a Portland that is more equitable, healthy, prosperous, and resilient. The bureau oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the U.S. in its commitment to open data and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change.
  
BPS values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization. We encourage candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities to apply. Although not required, BPS encourages candidates that can fluently speak more than one language to include that information in your resume. BPS offers an excellent benefits package, flexible work schedules and support for training and skills development in a positive, engaging, and creative work environment.

Virtual Zoom Meet & Greet Opportunity

Come meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter! We'll be talking about the position duties and responsibilities, day to day life in the role, review the announcement, discuss how to apply, and answer questions you may have about the position.

Day: Thursday, August 13, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM Pacific

Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0p_We19-TAOjo_FPw28drA#/registration

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

1. Ability to support small research assignments including online research, gathering and organizing data, simple data analysis, and summarizing information.
2. Ability to organize and track multiple projects, tasks, and information.
3. Ability to work in a team environment and manage time to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
4. Ability to plan and manage events in virtual and in-person environments.
5. Ability to work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, values, and professional responsibilities, and/or experience working in a multi-cultural setting.

Education/Experience Requirements: 

• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university; OR have completed an associate or bachelor’s degree within the last 6 months; OR have at least two years of experience in public administration or nonprofit administration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with, or a personal connection to, groups or neighborhoods that have historically been underserved in climate or energy programs. 

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume and responses to supplemental questions by the closing date.
• (Optional) Submit Veterans’ Preference documents, if applicable. 
   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.
• Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter.

What to Expect:

1. Application Review - (Week of August 24): We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above. 
2. Notice/Feedback - (Week of August 31): You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with the evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01.
3. Selection Process - (Early September): The hiring bureau will review qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references. 
4. Conditional Job Offer - (Mid-September): Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check, depending on the position.

Learn More About:

• How to Apply Videos and Workshops
• City of Portland Core Values
• HRAR-3.01 - Recruitment Processes
• Veteran Preference Information
• Total Compensation and Benefits
• Language Pay Differential Eligibility

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? We're here to help!
If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance, contact:

Tamela Ressler, Senior Recruiter
[email protected]
Bureau of Human Resources