Park Observer Application | Hope Community PowerBase

Position: Parks and Power Observer (temporary role)
Program / Department: Parks and Power, Community Engagement
Hours: Hourly Non-Exempt; Part-Time (9 hrs/week); Temporary
Reports to: Parks and Power Manager
Union-Represented Position: no

Shape

Hope Community is an innovative Community Development organization in the Phillips Community of south Minneapolis. Our mission is to create connections that strengthen the power of community members and communities. Our work is grounded in principles of respect, connection, listening, learning, and co-creation.

Program Overview 

Parks and Power is a long-term organizing campaign building a base of informed, engaged community leaders, and supporting community-led strategic actions to advance equity in the Minneapolis park system. The team builds support through outreach, one-to-one visits, popular education workshops, and other entry-point activities; supports local issue hubs; and hosts People’s Assembly to connect hubs, build power, and set the campaign agenda.  

Position Overview & Responsibilities

Parks belong to the people. In response to community concerns about federal immigration enforcement activity near park spaces, Parks and Power is launching a short-term Park Observer Pilot Program. Parks and Power Observers will help ensure that what’s happening in our public spaces is accurately documented and responsibly reported.

This is a temporary employment position, scheduled for 8 weeks total. Four weeks into the assignment, the program will be evaluated for need and effectiveness. If low enforcement activity is observed in the first four weeks, the program may be paused or concluded early.

Responsibilities include:

Spend scheduled shifts in assigned parks.
Observe and document visible federal immigration enforcement activity, if present.
Submit clear and timely reports to Parks and Power Manager.
Follow safety and non-intervention guidelines.
Serve as a calm, steady presence in community.

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrated interest in the well-being of immigrant communities and public space
Observant and detail-oriented
Ability to remain calm in sensitive situations
Reliable and accountable for quality of own work
Ability to communicate clearly in writing
No formal legal background required – paid training will be provided covering legal boundaries, documentation practices, and safety protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

Multilingual community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary and Benefits

Rate of Pay: $21.00 per hour
Sick and Safe Time: 1 hour earned for every 30 hours worked.

Deadline 3/31/2026

Target start date is 4/6/2026.

Contact

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

What interested you in this role, and what about it feels important to you?

This role requires showing up for scheduled shifts (11am-2pm, Tuesday through Thursday) consistently for eight weeks. Is this a schedule you can commit to?

Tell us about a time you were around a situation where someone was upset, in crisis, or something tense was happening. What did you do, and how did you stay calm?

In this role, observers do not intervene — we document what we see. How do you think you would handle a situation where something concerning is happening but your role is only to observe and report?

Imagine you’re sitting in a park observing for a shift. What kinds of details do you think would be important to notice and write down if something unusual happened?

Which area(s) of Minneapolis parks are you able to cover for observations?

North

Do you have any questions, comments, or anything else you'd like us to know?