Initial Posting Date:
02/04/2021
Application Deadline:
02/18/2021
Agency:
Department of Environmental Quality
Salary Range:
$5,105 – $7,842
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Air Quality Planner (Natural Resource Specialist 4)
Job Description:
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 (DEQ) currently has a full-time opportunity for an Air Quality Planner (Natural Resource Specialist 4) in Portland, Oregon.
DEQ has a centralized policy and planning component and regional offices to accomplish its mission. There are 3 regions (Northwest, Western, and Eastern); this position is located at DEQ Headquarters, in Portland, Oregon. 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!
This position supports the agency’s Air Quality Planning Section. The Air Quality Planning Section develops policies, programs, rules, and guidance to achieve the agency’s air quality protection goals and meet the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act. As the Air Quality Planner, you will serve as a technical expert responsible for the development and implementation of local and statewide air pollution reduction strategies. You will support efforts to reduce air pollution from a wide variety of sources, which involves leading DEQ and stakeholder teams to gather scientific, policy, legal, and other information; including public input, to formulate policy, regulations, and programs that satisfy state and federal laws, as well as the agency’s strategic goals for air quality. Click here to learn about DEQ’s Air Quality Programs.
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: A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, or closely related field (e.g., Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, Environmental Science, or Physics), AND four (4) years of work experience in a natural resource, environmental science, or closely related field.
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:
- At least 2 years of technical or professional level experience performing activities in a natural resource program such as: researching and analyzing data; conducting investigations; applying pertinent laws and regulations; or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
- Highly skilled in written and oral communications: clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information to diverse audiences.
- Excellent skills and building and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholder groups and regulated communities.
- Experience interpreting rules, regulations, laws, agency guidance and procedures.
- Experience developing policy or programmatic options based on analysis of applicable data.
- Experience conducting effective outreach efforts to a regulated community, local governments, and diverse audiences.
- Experience writing rule language, analyzing proposed legislation and bills, and drafting State Implementation Plans.
- Ability to effectively participate in and contribute to teams, as well as lead teams (i.e. ability to work constructively, collaboratively, and build positive relationships with other staff members, regulators, and professionals outside the program, the agency, and outside government).
- Experience and skill in writing concise and clear reports and interpreting data.
- Experience preparing and maintaining detailed records.
- Experience working with and communicating technical information to non-technical customers clearly and concisely.
Working Conditions:
Must possess a valid driver’s license. Occasional overnight travel required.
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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- Be sure to attach a resume and cover letter.
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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, we 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 a 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 Tracie Knight, Human Resources Analyst, at tracie.knight@deq.state.or.us. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.