For more information, please follow this link: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Corvallis–ODA–OSU-Native-Plant-Conservation-District-Office/Natural-Resource-Specialist-2–Conservation-Technician-_REQ-86813

Salary- $3,951 – $6,043/month

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist to help support the Native Plant Conservation Program. If you believe you make a good candidate for this position, then look no further, and apply for the Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Conservation Technician) position.

As a Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Conservation Technician) you will assist the Program Lead and Conservation Biologists in study design, planning, and implementation of complex plant conservation research projects involving monitoring, mapping, reproduction, reintroduction, disturbance, and related conservation studies for state and federal threatened and endangered (T&E) plants. In addition, you will participate in data collection, data entry and management, and reporting.

Our Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Conservation Technician) will be a permanent full-time position, located in Corvallis, Oregon, and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

We, at Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), ensure healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food.  As a member of the ODA team, you will be helping to protect some of Oregon’s rarest natural resources. This program is an important component in the agency mission to serve the changing needs of Oregon’s diverse agricultural and food sectors to maintain and enhance a healthy natural resource base and strong economy in rural and urban communities across the state.

Native Plant Conservation program staff implement the program functions that promote the conservation and management of Oregon’s threatened and endangered (T&E) plant species. The Conservation Technician participates in research projects and surveys relating to T&E plant species. Resultant data directly informs policies on how T&E species should be managed. The Conservation Technician position works collaboratively with the programs’ Lead Botanist and Conservation Biologist in developing science-based conservation programs which are compliant with state and federal regulations.

Click here to view a full description of this position.

Working conditions

Works in office, laboratory, greenhouse, and field, alone or in groups in remote areas for extended periods, may work outdoors during all seasons; may drive daily with frequent stops over all classes of roadway.

Occasionally works long or unusual hours, travels overnight, or drives long distances; may be required to hike up steep hills; occasionally exposed to laboratory chemicals, pesticides, and solar radiation; may make contacts on private property and be exposed to hostile dogs or people and noxious plants and insects; may make public presentations where adversarial concerns are expressed. Requires working some evening and weekend hours on a seasonal basis.

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.

The State of Oregon requires all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception prior to their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full documentation or receipt of an approved exception will lead to withdrawal of the job offer. For more information, visit our policy listed here.

This is what you need to qualify

Both a resume and cover letter are required to move to the next stage of consideration for this position.

  • Two years of experience in (botany, biology, horticulture, agriculture, or natural resource field), and a Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, horticulture, another plant-related field, or a natural resource field. Three additional years of related experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.

 OR

  • One year of experience in (botany, biology, horticulture, agriculture, or natural resource field), and a Master’s degree in botany, biology, horticulture, another plant-related field, or a natural resource field.

 OR

  • Doctorate degree in botany, biology, horticulture, another plant-related field, or a natural resource field.

Additional requirements:

A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Desired qualifications and attributes:

Plant identification skills

Attention to detail

Ability to read maps and aerial photos

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook)

Familiarity with ArcGIS and handheld GPS devices

Proficiency in written and oral communication

Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member

Demonstrated ability to take initiative and see tasks to completion

Ability to review and interpret primary research related to plant conservation