Drinking Water Protection Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

1d • $65,436 - $100,140 • 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 is a limited duration position through June 30, 2027, with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent. The role involves working with DEQ and Oregon Health Authority staff to develop strategies for drinking water source protection under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. The specialist will also provide 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.
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• 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.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, or an alternate method of transportation.
• Ability to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9 on the first day of employment.
• Ability to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity within three business days of the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and capacity to work well in a team environment and with diverse interest parties.
• 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.
• Experience with GIS.
• 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.
• Experience with initiatives involving tribal nations.
• Experience in a project manager role, including experience planning, leading, and implementing projects and programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies under the authority of the Clean Water Act to meet the goals and objectives of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act for drinking water source protection.
• 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 and environmental fields.
• Perform investigations and apply pertinent laws and regulations.
• Coordinate and monitor project activities.
• Complete complex GIS and statistical analysis.
• Advise users on geographic data display and interpretation.
• Communicate policy and technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Write and present clear and concise reports including qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Build and foster relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses.
• Collaborate with varied and diverse groups of communities in urban and rural settings.
• Engage in initiatives involving tribal nations.
• Plan, lead, and implement projects and programs in a project manager role.

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).
• Laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone provided for remote work.
• Access to a workspace at DEQ sites, which may be shared.

What This Job Offers

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