Salary Range: $3,853 – $5,891

Full-time

Application Deadline: 08/01/2021

See full job and application details at https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Salem–DEQ/Natural-Resource-Specialist–Natural-Resource-Specialist-2-_REQ-69282

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the preferred qualification. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet the qualifications of this position, please contact us to discuss your application.

Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water. Here is a video about DEQ: https://youtu.be/iP3K7JoLe1k

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Natural Resource Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 2) in Salem, Oregon.

Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality. There are three DEQ regions (Northwest, Western, and Eastern); this position is in Western Region. The regions provide the following services: compliance inspection of regulated entities; enforcement of permit requirements and administrative rules; issuance of air, water, and solid waste permits; investigation of complaints; issuance of subsurface permits in counties; response to spills or other incidents with environmental impacts; direct contact and liaison with other governmental entities, industries, and the public; and technical assistance to regulated entities and the public. Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.

What you will do!

You will ensure facilities comply with all applicable state and federal air quality regulations by assigning facilities to General Air Contaminant Discharge Permits, writing permits for less complex ACDP sources, and performing compliance inspections. You will document any violations observed, write inspection reports and enforcement documents, and make enforcement recommendations. In addition, you will investigate air quality related complaints.

What’s in it for you!

The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 10 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon’s environment, apply today!

This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field, AND 2 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable).

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:

  • Experience implementing environmental permits, preferably ACDP permits.
  • Experience making compliance determinations and moving forward with enforcement processes when appropriate, preferably regarding air quality regulations.
  • Experience conducting inspections, obtaining and assessing data, and analyzing results.
  • Experience researching complex issues and problems, and proposing solutions.
  • Ability to work diplomatically with angry or hostile people.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with staff, many sectors of the public, and other natural resource agencies, including communicating technical information; professional level writing and presentation acumen.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; skill in writing clear and concise reports describing complex industries and regulatory determinations.

Working Conditions:

Work is commonly performed outdoors, at times during inclement weather. There could be possible exposure to pollutants or chemicals. There will be exposure to industrial processes and emissions during on-site compliance work. Routine travel is necessary for compliance work, training, permitting, and meetings. Occasional extended work hours and weekend work will occur.

How to Apply: (complete the application in full)

  • External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
  • Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance.

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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.

Veterans Information:

DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information, please go here: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying. You will be asked to submit those at a later time.

Pay Equity:

As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information.

Work Authorization:

DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. 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.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Maddy Ouye, Human Resources Analyst, at madeline.ouye@deq.state.or.us or (503) 347-5759. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.