Livestock Water Quality Specialist

United States Department of Agriculture • Hermiston, OR

152d • $5,695 - $8,713

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a talented and dedicated Natural Resource Specialist 3 to help support the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program as a Livestock Water Quality Specialist. As the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (CAFO Livestock Water Quality Specialist), you will conduct inspections of all types and sizes of CAFO operations to evaluate compliance with CAFO permit requirements so manure and wastewater do not pollute ground and surface water, provide technical assistance to new and existing CAFO operators to help them understand and comply with permit requirements, and implement enforcement actions to address violations. In addition, you will investigate complaints, determine compliance or noncompliance, and initiate corrective action, as appropriate. This position assists the program manager in developing permits, conducting public noticing, and responding to comments and other permit administrative activities. Our Natural Resource Specialist 3 (CAFO Livestock Water Quality Specialist) is a permanent full-time position, is based in Hermiston, Oregon, and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Compliance is achieved through permitting and inspection of CAFOs. The program regulates livestock operations to prevent and control water pollution and watershed degradation from livestock operations. Oregon's permit program includes both state and federal water quality regulations. The number of permitted livestock operations in the state is about 500. Operating according to the conditions of the permit assures that animal wastes are not discharged to waters of the state. Achieving and maintaining a high level of compliance protects surface water from exceeding water quality standards and protects the water for beneficial uses including drinking, irrigation, recreation, wildlife habitat, etc. which are important to both agricultural producers and the public. It is critical to the sustainability of Oregon agriculture that operators of livestock facilities comply with state and federal water quality laws to ensure that water resources continue to be available.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in natural resources programs (animal agriculture experience preferred).
• At least one year of the experience must be in researching, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• A Bachelor's degree in a Natural Resource related education; OR a total of six years of related experience.
• A Master's degree in a Natural Resource related education will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in a Natural Resource related education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge regarding dairy and livestock operations as well as general farming practices.
• Skill communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions, provide technical assistance, and explain regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to assess complex problems and develop effective, strategic solutions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of all types and sizes of CAFO operations to evaluate compliance with CAFO permit requirements.
• Provide technical assistance to new and existing CAFO operators to help them understand and comply with permit requirements.
• Implement enforcement actions to address violations.
• Investigate complaints and determine compliance or noncompliance.
• Initiate corrective action as appropriate.
• Assist the program manager in developing permits and conducting public noticing.
• Respond to comments and other permit administrative activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits for the employee and their qualified family members.
• Paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and deferred compensation.
• Potential loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• Additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Economic Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree