(LD) Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician)

State of Oregon

2d

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a well talented Natural Resource Specialist to help support the Noxious Weed Control Program. If you believe that you are a good candidate for this position, we invite you to apply for the Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician). What you’ll be doing As a Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician) you will identify, map, and manage invasive plants using herbicides, manual removal, and biological controls, working with landowners and the public for education and compliance. Work is part of large-scale restoration efforts and will concentrate on recently burned areas for EDRR and post-fire weeds management. May operate specialized equipment. Will maintain detailed records of treatments and infestations. Will survey plant communities in remote and rugged terrain. Will maintain a Public Applicator’s License and Regulatory Weed endorsement through continuing education. You will collect field data, maintain accurate records, prepare reports for agencies, and enter data into mapping software. Work Environment Outdoor & Varied: Works in diverse environments, including roadsides, private and public land, remote areas, facing challenging terrain, weather, and potential hazards like insects, animals, and hazardous materials. Will drive heavy duty truck, pulling a loaded trailer. Will operate 6x6 UTV in remote and rugged terrain. Our Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician) is a limited duration seasonal full-time appointment that has an expected duration of 17 months (June 30, 2027) but could be extended until June 30, 2029, position. The working location will be in Linn, Lane, Marion, Douglas, Jefferson & Clackamas counties. Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA. Click here to view a full description of this position

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in an Agriculture, Biology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related area. OR Three years’ experience in natural resources
• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using dichotomous keys
• Knowledge of flora of the Pacific Northwest
• Foundational knowledge of plant physiology
• Experience in the survey, monitoring, and identification of plants.
• Experience with off road vehicles and powered spray equipment
• Experience with mixing and application of herbicides
• Experience with cooperative management of natural resources

Responsibilities

• Identify, map, and manage invasive plants using herbicides, manual removal, and biological controls
• Work with landowners and the public for education and compliance
• Maintain detailed records of treatments and infestations
• Survey plant communities in remote and rugged terrain
• Maintain a Public Applicator’s License and Regulatory Weed endorsement through continuing education
• Collect field data
• Maintain accurate records
• Prepare reports for agencies
• Enter data into mapping software

Benefits

• The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave.
• In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides 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.
• More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees