Risk Specialist I in Portland, Oregon at City of Portland

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.

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.

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.

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 you'll 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.

Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity

Meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter to learn more about this position, how to apply, and what it's 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)
View Recording: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/a9Jl-8aWSCPQgqiid_ARtW72CTgjYB7dIOHpAJtxyr-kStXZnBW3D06g86HenuS6.Hd84bU2MuAatVX2j 
Passcode: Fz&8+V&j

(Note: All note-taking apps are not permitted. If you need ADA accommodations, please contact the recruiter below.)

Applicants must demonstrate how their education, training, and experience meet each of the minimum qualifications listed below:

1. Knowledge of the policies and methods of risk management, public health, communicable disease transmission, injury prevention and basic OSHA compliance standards
2. Experience designing, conducting, and evaluating occupational health and safety internal audits, best practices, and conformance/compliance with occupational health/safety regulations
3. Ability to conduct research on occupational health and safety management systems, including prevention, control issues, evaluate alternatives, and reach conclusions and recommendations for improvement
4. Experience in analyzing data, identifying program needs, and making recommendations to resolve issues
5. Experience communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, including developing and delivering end-user training, presenting information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of OSHA 30, Associate Safety Professional (ASP), or other recognized occupational health and safety certifications.
• Experience supporting, managing, or analyzing workers’ compensation claims, return to work processes, or related employee injury case management.

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.

1. Application Review – (Week of July 13): We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
2. Notice/Feedback – (Week of July 20): You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with your evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01.

1. Survey of Interest – As Needed: As vacancies become available, you will be contacted by HR (via email) with position details, and you can confirm interest in a particular opportunity.

1. Selection Process – (August): The hiring bureau will review interested and qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references.
2. Conditional Job Offer – (August): Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check.

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:

Amanda Hillebrecht, Senior Recruiter

Amanda.Hillebrecht@portlandoregon.gov

Bureau of Human Resources