PT Program Assistant

Are you passionate about Indigenous cultural programming, environmental stewardship, and community engagement? Do you have experience supporting events, coordinating programs, and working directly with diverse communities? How about hands-on outdoor work and administrative support? Have you been looking to combine those into a meaningful, mission-driven role?

Well, you’re in the right place! Portland All Nations Canoe Family is hiring a Part-Time Program Assistant to join our team in Portland, OR!

Key Details:     

• Pay: $30.49/hour (non-exempt)
• Benefits: Sick time, PTO
• Location: Onsite - Native Arts and Culture Foundation (800 SE 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97214), plus regular off-site program locations across the Portland metro area
• Travel: Local travel required; occasional extended travel opportunities (regional, out-of-state)
• Work Environment: ~60% off-site (outdoor programs, cultural community events)
• Role Type: Grant-funded position through December 2027, with potential for extension
• Schedule: Part-time 20-30 hours/week, (typically Wednesday–Sunday, with frequent evenings, weekends, and seasonal variability)

Who We Are:

Portland All Nations Canoe Family (PANCF) uplifts Indigenous culture, environmental stewardship, and community connection through canoe culture, education, and programming. Our work centers Indigenous ways of knowing while fostering meaningful, intergenerational community engagement through cultural events, land-based learning, and environmental restoration.

To learn more, check out our website: https://www.portlandallnationscanoefamily.org/

PANCF is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.

Who You Are:  

You are a collaborative, community-oriented individual who thrives in dynamic environments and is excited to support Indigenous-led programming. You bring a strong sense of responsibility, adaptability, and cultural respect, with a willingness to learn and actively participate in both hands-on and administrative work.

Other qualifications include:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree in a related field preferred
• Credentials: Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required. Food Handler’s Card, First Aid certification, and Sports safety training are also required; however, candidates may obtain these within the first 2 months of employment, with support and guidance provided by the PANCF team.
• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace; ability to learn project tools like Asana and creative tools like Canva
• Experience: At least 1 year of administrative or clerical experience; community or culturally focused work preferred
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; comfortable working outdoors in variable conditions
• Other Requirements: Reliable transportation; ability to pass a background check; ability to pass a drug test (including THC); must comply with sober workplace expectations

What You’ll Do:

The Program Assistant plays a key role in supporting PANCF’s cultural, environmental, and community programming. This position blends hands-on fieldwork, event coordination, and administrative support.

A typical day may include:

• Supporting cultural programming, including canoe journeys, practices, and community events
• Assisting with environmental restoration work and place-based learning activities (e.g., field trips, monitoring projects, data collection)
• Engaging with community members through outreach events, tabling, and youth/Elder programming
• Coordinating logistics for events, including setup, food service, transportation, and documentation for grant requirements
• Participating in traditional practices such as song practice, harvesting, and cultural education activities
• Providing administrative support, including scheduling, calendar management, meeting notes, budgeting support, and communications
• Traveling locally and participating in multi-day trips for the Intertribal Canoe Journey