Natural Resource Specialist 2

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

1d•$4,738 - $7,247•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re recruiting for a Natural Resource Specialist 2, if you have a horticultural background, great customer service skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external customers, apply today. Learn more about the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA): At ODA, through inspection and certification, the Nursery and Christmas tree program sees that all licensed nursery and Christmas tree growers statewide adhere to federal and state laws, meet quarantine requirements of receiving states and countries and that imported stock is following quarantine compliance. Although this position is aimed primarily at Oregon's nursery and Christmas tree growers, it affects all segments of Oregon's agricultural and horticultural communities as well as natural resources in urban and rural environments. This program serves both regulatory and service functions within the agency. Learn more about what we do here! What you’ll be doing: As a Natural Resource Specialist 2 you will serve the nursery industry along with a team of 12 inspectors across the state working to inspect, educate, provide certification services, inspect incoming products, check for invasive species, and ensure compliance with regulations. This position will involve field work up to 85% of the time working mainly in the Willamette Valley and will report to the Salem ODA office. In this position you will: Serve licensed nurseries and Christmas tree growers. Conduct inspections and surveys. Provide recommendations and directions for the exclusion, control, and eradication of injurious pests and weeds of economic interest to the nursery and Christmas tree industries. Assist Natural Resource Specialist 3 & 4 (NRS3/NRS4) staff and program leadership by supporting inspection documentation review, treatment verification, and compliance record evaluation. Enforce compliance of Oregon horticultural law, interstate, federal, and international plant quarantine import/export rules. Assist in preparation of inspection summaries, technical reports, or regulatory documentation used in administrative or legal proceedings. May assist NRS3 and NRS4 staff by compiling technical data and inspection findings used to support regulatory determinations or dispute resolution. Click here to view a full description of this position.

Requirements

Two years of experience in related natural resource program, and a Bachelor of Science degree in plant pathology, horticulture, botany, plant sciences or a closely related natural resource program.
OR Three additional years of related (pertinent) experience
OR One year of experience in plant pathology, horticulture, botany, plant sciences and/or a closely related natural resource program, and a master's degree in plant pathology, horticulture, botany, plant sciences or a closely related natural resource program.
Driver’s License Check - This position requires the operation of a state vehicle for the purpose of conducting official State business. If your license is from outside Oregon, you must submit at least a three-year court/DMV printout. If you have an Oregon driver’s license, a record check will be conducted on the top candidate to ensure a valid license and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Excellent attention to detail and the ability to accurately identify, document, and evaluate inspection findings, regulatory requirements, and compliance records.
Demonstrated ability to objectively assess situations, gather relevant information, and analyze issues from multiple perspectives before making recommendations or conclusions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical and regulatory information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships through professional, customer-focused engagement with industry members, stakeholders, and regulatory partners.
Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment when representing the Oregon Department of Agriculture in regulatory and customer service settings.
Experience conducting inspections, audits, compliance reviews, or field evaluations in a regulatory, agricultural, natural resource, or related environment is preferred.
Possession of a USDA Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation is preferred, or the ability to successfully obtain accreditation within one year of hire.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with supervisors and team members to meet program priorities and deadlines.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, inspections, and deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

Serve licensed nurseries and Christmas tree growers.
Conduct inspections and surveys.
Provide recommendations and directions for the exclusion, control, and eradication of injurious pests and weeds of economic interest to the nursery and Christmas tree industries.
Assist Natural Resource Specialist 3 & 4 (NRS3/NRS4) staff and program leadership by supporting inspection documentation review, treatment verification, and compliance record evaluation.
Enforce compliance of Oregon horticultural law, interstate, federal, and international plant quarantine import/export rules.
Assist in preparation of inspection summaries, technical reports, or regulatory documentation used in administrative or legal proceedings.
May assist NRS3 and NRS4 staff by compiling technical data and inspection findings used to support regulatory determinations or dispute resolution.