Mitigation Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

3d • $6,275 - $9,644 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Mitigation Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) serves as the technical lead and statewide subject matter expert for compensatory mitigation credit delivery through mitigation banks, in-lieu fee (ILF), and payment in-lieu (PIL) within the Planning and Policy Unit of the Aquatic Resource Management (ARM) program. The role uses a strategic approach to mitigation delivery by identifying and communicating where credits exist and where they are needed, prioritizing assistance, and coordinating with Tribes and federal, state, and local partners to align mitigation efforts with broader watershed objectives.

The position supports protection of Oregon’s waterways and wetlands through the state’s Removal-Fill Law. Work includes leading proposals through approval, coordinating reviews, developing templates and forms, interpreting laws and policies, representing the Department at meetings and hearings, and leading mitigation credit reporting and strategic-plan tracking.

This is a full-time, permanent position eligible for a hybrid remote schedule. The successful candidate must be able to travel to site visits within Oregon on short notice and, within six months of hire, live within a reasonable commuting distance of the Salem office. Work is primarily office-based with occasional fieldwork along waterways or on rough terrain. Travel may involve overnight stays or same-day site visits, and field hours can be irregular and sometimes long. Visits may be by vehicle, watercraft, or on foot, including walking on uneven terrain and through wet or muddy ground without pathways in all types of weather. Work may occur in remote locations. The agency provides maintained vehicles, field gear reimbursement, and authorized travel expenses.

Requirements

• Four years of experience in aquatic natural resources, including at least one year at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program, such as analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying relevant laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, natural resources, or environmental science, or three additional years of related experience.
• A master’s degree in a natural resource field may substitute for up to one year of required experience; a doctorate in such a field may substitute for up to two years.
• Ability to travel to site visits within Oregon on short notice.
• Within six months of hiring, ability to live within a reasonable commuting distance of the Salem office.
• Ability to perform occasional fieldwork, including travel to remote locations and walking on uneven or wet, muddy terrain in all types of weather.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting or leading compensatory mitigation credit generation or prioritizing habitat restoration projects through a selection strategy, leading projects through approval, and coordinating with Tribes and federal, state, and local partners.
• In-depth knowledge of ecosystem dynamics and services, with experience in environmental science, fisheries, hydrology, geomorphology, or soil science.
• Strong written and verbal communication, professional internal and external customer service, and experience explaining environmental regulations or programs to technical and non-technical audiences across public, private, and government entities.
• Experience applying or evaluating compliance with wetland and waterway resource regulations or similar environmental laws.
• Experience using GPS and GIS software, such as ArcGIS Pro, for data analysis and mapping.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, including strong conflict-resolution abilities.
• Reliability, professionalism, self-motivation, and ability to meet strict deadlines with strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical expert in compensatory mitigation credit delivery strategies and lead proposals through the approval process.
• Coordinate internal and external reviews, and develop and maintain templates and forms.
• Interpret and explain relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to the public, government officials, and agency personnel.
• Recommend policy and rule changes, including through internal and interagency coordination.
• Represent the Department at meetings and hearings and communicate with the public, internal and external parties, and industry professionals.
• Develop education and outreach materials.
• Lead compensatory mitigation credit reporting and track and contribute to the department’s strategic plan and other annual reporting.
• Identify and communicate where compensatory mitigation credits exist and where more are needed, prioritize assistance, and coordinate with partners to align mitigation efforts with watershed objectives.

Benefits

• Agency pays 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrual of 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with vacation accrual increasing every five years.
• 11 paid holidays, one floating holiday, and three personal business days.
• Medical, vision, and dental benefits, including flexible spending plans and mental health coverage.
• Automatic enrollment in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after six months of full-time service.
• Possible eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• A 6.95% increase after six months, with 6% going to PERS retirement.
• Agency-maintained vehicles, field gear reimbursement, and travel expenses for authorized work-related travel and fieldwork.

What This Job Offers

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