1) How and when did your employment journey begin with the City of Portland?

I was hired in January of 2018 as a Community Outreach and Information Assistant for BES. In July of 2018, I was given a temporary appointment to the Community Outreach and Information Representative position, and just yesterday was offered that position full time after going through the internal hiring process. So technically in this new position, I was hired yesterday!

2) What is your current role?

My role at BES is to provide the public with information regarding our capital improvement projects through flyers, group and one-on-one meetings, phone, and email conversations. I am also an advocate for the public on these projects and relay information back to the project teams that can have an effect on how we construct or design these projects in certain areas.

3) Name one thing that you enjoy most or look forward to about your job?

What I enjoy most about my job is the people I work with at BES and when I am able to help facilitate a positive solution for a property owner where we may have been impacting their property or lives during our work. My position can be tough at times since I am the public face for many of these large-scale projects. Luckily, we have some great people at BES that understand the impacts that these projects can cause and help to minimize or lessen these impacts.

4) What is one advice or tip would you give to those seeking employment with the City?

One tip that I found helpful was to worry more about the content of your resume and cover letter, rather than the aesthetics of it. Having a good looking resume is nice, but not necessary to getting hired. Be sure to address ALL the qualifications in the requirements.