OHSU-PSU is the US partner of GreenME (https://greenme-project.eu). We aim to understand green care in Multnomah County, which includes access to green and blue spaces, nature-based community interventions, and nature-based therapy, with the goal of improving mental health equity. Your work will involve 1) auditing green and blue spaces in MultCo, and 2) disseminating a questionnaire about greenspace and bluespace perceptions amongst the general population of MultCo (note: both online questionnaire dissemination and in-person (tablet-based interviews) will be necessary to ensure that we achieve a representative sample of the population given that the focus of this project is equity). You will have flexibility to find working hours that suits your schedule. Any travel costs (public transit or fuel) will be reimbursed.

 

This role is an especially good fit for applicants who are interested in greenspace and bluespace (population-level) health research, nature-based health promotion, as well as understanding the equity aspects of green care in Multnomah County (i.e., understanding who is comfortable/able/encouraged to benefit from these green and blue spaces and who isn’t, and why?).

• Work independently, but also collaboratively as part of an international team of environmental and mental health equity researchers;
• Conduct audits of green and blue spaces following a GreenME protocol; no experience required!;
• Disseminate an online GreenME questionnaire widely to reach a representative sample of MultCo residents. Dissemination techniques could include asking previously-identified MultCo green care providers and decision-makers to amplify our online survey invitation, or leaving physical flyers in doctors’ waiting rooms and other community hubs; you can get creative!;
• If necessary, conduct additional in-person questionnaires in strategic locations in MultCo to ensure that we are capturing diverse voices (i.e., filling the questionnaire items in-person with hard-to-reach individuals using a tablet);
• Documenting audit and questionnaire findings (e.g., creating tables, writing summaries in Word); we will follow a GreenME reporting template.

• Enrolled in or on vacation from or is otherwise registered in Graduate Program (minimum 4.5 credit hours)

• A prior public-facing role (not necessarily academic) and basic computer skills (e.g., emailing, posting online, filling online questionnaires, writing in Word) are necessary. 

• Strong interest in environmental health, mental health equity, or qualitative public health research. Good documentation and organization skills are essential, as well as the ability to independently audit outdoor spaces and conduct structured interviews with the public in a professional manner. The applicant should be personable and interested in understanding the opportunities and barriers to accessing green and blue spaces that different populations face in Multnomah County.

• Experience conducting surveys/interviews is preferred, however, all materials and training will be provided. 

• You will have flexibility to find times to conduct tasks (audits and questionnaire-related tasks) that suit your schedule. Any travel costs (public transit or fuel) will be reimbursed.
• A minimum of 10 hours per week is preferable, but more hours or slightly less hours may be possible for the right candidate.

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.