Drinking Water Protection Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a full-time Drinking Water Protection Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) to join their team in Portland, Oregon. This position is a limited duration appointment through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent, pending budget and legislative approval. The DEQ is dedicated to building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment that values diversity, fairness, and belonging. The Water Quality Division plays a crucial role in the department's mission by developing policies and tools to improve and protect Oregon's water quality. The Standards, Source-water Protection, and Assessment Section, where this role resides, is responsible for implementing the Drinking Water Protection Program, developing water quality standards, assessing water quality, and providing scientific and technical assistance. This specialist will work in partnership with DEQ and Oregon Health Authority staff to develop strategies under the Clean Water Act to meet the goals of the Safe Drinking Water Act for drinking water source protection. Additionally, the role involves providing outreach and technical assistance to public drinking water systems to identify contamination sources and reduce pollution risks.

Requirements

• 6 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field.
• 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.
• Master’s degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 4 of the required years of experience.
• Doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 5 of the required years of experience.
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and capacity to work well in a team environment and with diverse interest parties.
• 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 in Drinking Water Source Protection.
• Skills and experiences in working with communities in outreach and engagement.
• Familiarity with water quality issues, ground water principles, surface water/ground water interactions, and nonpoint sources of pollution as these relate to the ability to provide sound information to other government agencies and the public.
• Knowledge of laws, procedures, principles, regulations governing Federal and State water quality programs and subprograms; ability to learn laws, regulations, and permit procedures applicable to the technology and industry under review.
• Experience with GIS; ability to complete complex GIS and statistical analysis, and ability to advise users on geographic data display and interpretation.
• 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 and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses; experience collaborating with varied and diverse groups of communities in urban and rural settings, and experience with initiatives involving tribal nations.
• Experience in a project manager role, including experience planning, leading, and implementing projects and programs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record if driving a motor vehicle.
• Compliance with ORS 807.020 (1) is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies under the Clean Water Act to meet the goals and objectives of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act for drinking water source protection in partnership with DEQ and Oregon Health Authority staff.
• Provide outreach and technical assistance to Oregon’s public drinking water systems to identify sources of contamination and reduce pollution risks to their drinking water source areas.
• Conduct research and analyze data related to natural resources.
• Perform investigations.
• Apply pertinent laws and regulations.
• Coordinate and monitor project activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members.
• Paid sick leave.
• Vacation leave.
• Personal leave.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level