Overview

 

The Forest & Washington Park Express Shuttle is a free pilot transit service operated by Portland Parks & Recreation. During summer 2026, Express Shuttle buses will make regular stops in neighborhoods in East, North, and Northeast Portland and Forest Park and Washington Park, two popular city parks that are hard to get to because of their locations and limited public transit options. The buses will provide a free way for people to get to these parks from areas closer to home. 

 

Volunteers are needed to be Shuttle Stop Ambassadors. These important volunteers will be a crucial touchpoint for shuttle riders at select stops on the Express Shuttle route, welcoming people to the service and helping to provide an inclusive, informative experience. The Shuttle Stop Ambassadors will distribute shuttle timetable and schedule information, connect shuttle riders with resources regarding events and activities in the parks, and provide support in navigating trip planning.

 

Specific duties

·         Set up and break down table, chair(s), printed materials, and canopy (if needed) at shift location;

·         Be present at shift location for duration of shift;

·         Engage with shuttle riders in a welcoming, inclusive, and friendly manner;

·         Answer questions about shuttle service, activities, and events, as well as park information;

·         Provide printed resources, such as shuttle timetable/schedule, brochures, guides, and other materials;

·         Share information about resources and amenities available at shuttle stop, including restrooms and operating hours;

·         Assist shuttle riders and shuttle bus driver in complying with priority seating and

·         Provide printed copies of shuttle surveys or assist shuttle riders in accessing digital version; collect completed surveys as applicable and return them to Community Center.

 

Required qualifications

·         Pass background check;

·         Ability to set up and break down table, chair(s), and/or canopy at Ambassador Station;

·         Ability to sit or stand for duration of shift, outdoors (canopy potentially available);

·         Ability to communicate verbally with shuttle riders to share information in a welcoming and inclusive manner; and

·         Complete orientation on shuttle operations and logistics and community engagement expectations.

 

Preferred qualifications

·         Strong communication and interpersonal skills;

·         Visitor education background;

·         Attention to detail and safety awareness;

·         Adaptability and resilience;

·         Community engagement mindset;

·         Cultural competency;

·         Ability to speak language other than English.

Locations

·         East Portland Community Center

·         Peninsula Park Community Center

·         Charles Jordan Community Center

·         St Johns Community Center

Schedule

Note: all shifts occur between 8:45am-2:15pm on Fridays and Saturdays on the days noted below

·         June 12-13, 2026

·         June 19-20, 2026

·         June 26-27, 2026

·         July 3-4, 2026

·         July 10-11, 2026

·         July 17-18, 2026

·         July 24-25, 2026

·         July 31-August 1, 2026

·         August 7-8, 2026

·         August 14-15, 2026

·         August 21-22, 2026

 

Orientation overview

Volunteers will be required to attend an Ambassador Orientation to be able to provide information about the shuttle service, operations and logistics, and community engagement expectations. Orientation will cover the following topics:

·         Shuttle routes, stops, and schedule;

·         How to connect from one shuttle line to another;

·         How to access the Activities Calendar to register for activities and events;

·         How to find information about the amenities at each park shuttle stop;

·         Navigating the Express Shuttle website; and

·         Priority boarding for individuals registered for events and activities.

 

Orientation will be provided multiple dates and times. If language interpretation is needed, please request at least 5 days in advance.