Initial Posting Date:
05/05/2021
Application Deadline:
05/26/2021
Agency:
Department of Agriculture
Salary Range:
$4,441 – $6,794
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Horticulturist)
Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist to help support the Nursery and Christmas Tree Program. If you believe you make a good candidate for this position, then please apply for the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Horticulturist) position.
As the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Horticulturist) you will evaluate and inspect commercial shipments of plant material shipped into Oregon to determine plant health and compliance status. You will make critical, independent decisions authorizing or denying certification for domestic and international markets. In addition, you will inspect Oregon Nurseries and Christmas tree plantations when necessary, to assure they are within compliance with the Oregon Nursery and Christmas tree laws.
Our Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Horticulturist) is a permanent full-time position, is located in Portland, Oregon and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
We, at Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Nursery and Christmas tree program, see that all licensed nursery and Christmas tree growers statewide adhere to federal and state laws, meet quarantine requirements of receiving state and countries and that imported stock is in compliance with state and federal quarantines. Although this position is aimed primarily at Oregon’s nursery and Christmas tree growers, it affects all segments of Oregon’s agricultural and horticultural communities as well as natural resources in urban and rural environments. This program serves both regulatory and service functions within the agency.
Click here to view a full description of this position
Working conditions
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Work is performed in field and office environments.
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Work may require entering ODA lab facilities for sample drop off and consultation with laboratory personnel.
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Occasionally works extended hours.
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Overnight travel is sometimes required.
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Duties as described involve frequent driving which could involve exposure to hazardous driving conditions.
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Performs duties regularly in areas consistently treated with agricultural chemicals.
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Occasionally faces hostile individuals, works in remote areas, and in inclement weather.
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Work is primarily conducted independently
What’s in it for you
The opportunity to join a team of professionals who are passionate about what they do and an agency who supports its employees’ growth and development. We also offer full medical, vision, and dental benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave, 10 paid holidays a year, deferred compensation and a retirement plan.
This is what you need to qualify
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Three years of experience in horticulture, at least one year of the experience must be in researching, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND
A Bachelor’s degree in, biological sciences, plant science, soil science, or a related field
AND
A minimum of two year experience in plant regulatory activities and identification of plant pests; OR
A minimum of six years in plant regulatory activities and identification of plant pests.
A Master’s degree in biological sciences will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
A Doctorate degree in a biological science will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
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Special Requirements:
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Obtain and maintain ODA Pesticide Consultant’s license. Become proficient in the use of the USDA’s Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking (PCIT) system within 30 days of employment.
How to apply:
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CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES (including -Seasonal employees): To apply for this position, you must apply through your Workday account. Click here for instructions. Prior to clicking “Apply”, update your employee profile to reflect your education, skills and job history (including your current job). Also, ensure a resume, CV or cover letter does not replace the application.
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IF YOU ARE NOT A STATE EMPLOYEE: To apply for this position, follow the “Apply” link and complete the application and questions (if applicable) online. If this is your first time applying in Workday, you will need to create a new user profile. You can even drag and drop your resume into Workday and it will read and generate your Work History! A resume, or CV does not replace the application.
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Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your Workday account for pending questions and tasks such as public records requests, declaring Veterans’ Points and attaching supporting documentation (including right after submission). Non-state employees, these are identified by a yellow circle with an exclamation mark.
The fine print:
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Warning! The system will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity. You must submit your application after you begin the process – you cannot save your progress and come back to it later.
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This job posting closes on May 26, 2021 at 12:00 AM
Additional Information:
Work Authorization – The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. Oregon Department of Agriculture is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ensuring legal compliance, efficiency, and exceeding expectations to deliver the best public services.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need an alternate format to apply, please contact Lee Whiting at lwhiting@oda.state.or.us or call 503-986-4585. Please be prepared to describe the alternate format needed.