Green Friendly Yards Project Coordinator (GFY Project Coordinator)

PDX Pipeline; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

Friends of Trees is seeking a GFY Project Coordinator in Portland to guide low-income homeowners through design, installation, and follow-up for Green Friendly Yards projects. You will coordinate referrals, design plans, and contractor work while prioritizing equity and community engagement.

The role requires hands-on coordination, strong communication, and meticulous records management to ensure successful project delivery through 2030.

Qualifications

• Green Infrastructure design and assessment experience for residential sites.
• Strong communication across diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Ability to work with contractors to ensure design intent and timelines.
• Budget awareness and cost estimation capabilities.
• Organized with time management and data tracking abilities.
• Proficient with MS Office or Google Suite.

Responsibilities

• Guide households from referral to installation and follow-up.
• Develop design plans and communicate with clients and contractors.
• Coordinate installation logistics and contractor supervision.
• Provide post-installation support and maintenance guidance.
• Maintain project records and progress tracking.

Skills

Green Infrastructure Design

Interpersonal & Communication

Equity & Inclusion

Installation & Contractor Oversight

Cost Estimating & Budget

Organization & Time Management

Computer Proficiency

First Aid Certification

Driver's License

Tools

Vectorworks

Salesforce

Job description

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

Salaried, non-exempt. Full-time (40 hours per week).

HOURS:

Monday to Friday schedule, with occasional weekends and evenings as needed. 37 hours per week between Memorial Day and Labor Day (while maintaining a 40 hour per week salary).

SUPERVISED BY:

GFY Project Manager

PAY RATE:

Annual salary set at $63,000. Eligible for full benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement match up to 2%, paid time off starting at 3 weeks' vacation, 11 holidays, and sick time. The office is closed during the final week of December.

LOCATION

Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access the office. Travel throughout the City of Portland with FOT provided vehicles. Work a combination of in-office, outdoor, and hybrid/remote.

EXPECTED START DATE:

February 2027

DURATION:

3 year fixed-term position through February 2030, with potential for extension

ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES

Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted nearly a million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods in six counties across two states. We've done this through engaging tens of thousands of community members, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Green Friendly Yards (GFY) Project Coordinator will work alongside the GFY Project Manager to implement the Green Infrastructure Pilot (aka Green Friendly Yards) led by Friends of Trees. This project is part of the broader Energy Friendly Homes (EFH) Program, a program operated by Evergreen Energy Partners and funded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund. Through this collaboration, Friends of Trees will integrate green infrastructure installations – which may include trees, rain gardens, native and climate-adapted hedgerows, naturescapes, depaving, and related infrastructure – alongside home energy upgrades for low income households across Portland.

JOB SUMMARY

This is a project-based, term-limited position with anticipated funding through February 2030. Continuation beyond this date is dependent on continued project funding.

The GFY Project Coordinator will work in coordination with the GFY Project Manager to guide participating households from referral through site visit, design coordination, installation, and follow up support and maintenance, working closely with residents, contractors, and the project team to ensure successful project delivery. Responsibilities include: adhering to project protocols and processes, building strong client and contractor relationships, developing green infrastructure design plans alongside clients, and tracking project progress from client intake through project completion.

This is a hands-on role that requires initiative and strong follow through. The GFY Project Coordinator will work closely with the project team, contractors, FOT staff, and clients to deliver meaningful environmental and community investment for low-income homeowners across Portland.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Project Implementation:

• Referral & Intake
  • Review client referrals and conduct client outreach
  • Facilitate collaborative yard consultations and goal setting at clients' homes
  • Adapt communication style based on client's backgrounds and needs to facilitate a cooperative and supportive project from start to finish
  • Identify green infrastructure opportunities that match client's needs and interests
  • Support client awareness of the benefits of the green infrastructure yard opportunities
• Design Development
  • Record field measurements and relevant observations on site to use for design development
  • Design residential green infrastructure elements and associated plantings that respond to site conditions, maximize positive environmental impact, and provide benefits for clients
  • Create scaled design plans in Vectorworks CAD software that clearly communicate design intent and specifications for both clients and contractors
  • Share design plans with clients at their homes and incorporate client feedback
• Installation Management
  • Assign pre-qualified contractors and coordinate installation logistics
  • Conduct onsite meetings with contractors to discuss design implementation
  • Communicate with clients to keep them informed of project developments
  • Ensure installations meet design specifications and quality standards
• Post-Installation Support
  • Provide thoughtful support and guidance on yard care and maintenance
  • Coordinate follow-up visits and contractor support for long-term maintenance
  • Maintain accurate records on installations, maintenance, and outcomes
  • Maintain data for all GFY projects, including installation, maintenance, and survival rates

Other Duties:

• Actively participate in FOT's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, trainings, and cross-organizational initiatives; support efforts to improve program and organizational effectiveness
• Uphold FOT's safety protocols in support of a safe working environment
• Participate in cross-program committees and subcommittees to fulfill FOT's mission
• Participate in organizational strategic planning efforts
• Loads/unloads and drives vehicles to project sites throughout Portland
• Assists with fulfilling project reporting, as needed
• Contributes content for TreeMail and FOT social media channels, as needed
• And other duties as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Green Infrastructure Design & Assessment: Experience in landscape design and green infrastructure applications, with familiarity assessing residential site conditions, identifying environmental constraints, and developing site-appropriate green infrastructure plans.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong ability to flex communication styles in order to effectively connect with and support a diverse range of clients, contractors, community members, project partners, and coworkers. Skilled in written and verbal communication, including public speaking, talking on the phone, emailing, and in-person interactions. Values feedback and is committed to continuous learning and growth.
• Equity & Inclusion: Ability to meaningfully engage with and meet the needs of low-income homeowners. Committed to working with diverse communities and ensuring an inclusive and equitable project.
• Installation & Contractor Oversight: Experience working with contractors to ensure work aligns with design intent, quality standards, site conditions, and timelines.
• Cost Estimating & Budget Management: Ability to estimate installation costs, review contractor bids against project scope, and keep designs within per-household budgets.
• Organization & Time Management: Highly organized with strong time management skills, able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, track project progress, and collaborate effectively.
• Computer Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in day-to-day computer use, including email communications and document creation and editing in Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite.
• First Aid Certification: Current certification or willingness to obtain.
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Skilled in using Salesforce or similar CRM database.
• Knowledge of PNW native and drought tolerant plants and their applications in landscape design.
• Experience using Vectorworks design software or other tools to create site landscape plans.
• Demonstrated ability to assess site conditions in residential yards in order to identify potential green infrastructure applications.
• Hands on experience with landscape installation, maintenance, and/or fine gardening
• Fluent or proficient in any language(s) in addition to English.

Friends of Trees recognizes that not everyone has equal access to the benefits of trees and healthy urban green spaces based on racial and socioeconomic status, and we are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Friends of Trees provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics.