Initial Posting Date: 04/11/2023
Application Deadline: 04/30/2023
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality
Salary Range: $4,688 – $7,175
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Water Quality Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Water Quality Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) in Portland, 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 3 regions (Northwest, Western, and Eastern); this position is in Northwest 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.

What you will do!
You will work for both the stormwater and wastewater permit programs in DEQ’s Northwest Region. You will analyze and evaluate permit application materials and associated technical information; approve individual and general permit applications and associated plans based on the technical feasibility to minimize pollutant delivery to waterways; determine the compliance status of facilities by conducting inspections; analyze water quality data; perform technical reviews of plans and report; review and analyze plans and Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs); provide technical assistance on effective water pollution control measures; investigate complaints; consult with regulated entities on applicable laws, rules, and program requirements for achieving compliance; and when violations occur, prepare appropriate enforcement documents and do the necessary communication with the permit holder/responsible entity, internal DEQ audiences, and the public. In addition, you will provide technical expertise to other DEQ staff, the regulated community, and the public to solve difficult problems associated with wastewater and stormwater discharges; interpret rules, regulations, laws, and procedures; and represent DEQ at public hearings and meetings.

What are we looking for?
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field, AND 3 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable). At least 1 year of experience at a technical or professional level 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.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:

  • Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities; ability to take personal responsibility for increasing their knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Experience with stormwater and/or wastewater permits and examining them for consistency and conformance to agency policy, State, and Federal regulations.
  • Experience interpreting rules, regulations, laws, permit conditions and procedures.
  • Experience in inspections of permitted facilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and database programs for data management and manipulation.
  • Proficiency in Google Earth and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences; skill in writing clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions.
  • Experience representing an agency or organization in meetings with the public, regulated community, and/or other organizations.

Working Conditions: DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness. Work is generally performed in an office setting with occasional travel for meetings, trainings, seminars, conferences, workshops, public hearings, public meetings, and field visits (including inspections and complaint investigations) may occur. During field work, there is the potential for exposure to inclement weather, contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants, uneven surfaces, substantial walking, multi-level facilities, and other hazards. Occasional extended working hours, evening work, weekend work, and overnight stays may occur.

How to Apply

  • 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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For more information and to apply: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Portland–DEQ–Multnomah-Street/Water-Quality-Specialist–Natural-Resource-Specialist-3-_REQ-121016-1