Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Certification & Training)

State of Oregon

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist 3, limited duration to help support the Pesticides Program. If you want to support Oregon agriculture and make a difference, apply today. As the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Certification & Licensing Specialist) you will work to help ensure people who use pesticides in Oregon use them legally and safely. You will also conduct educational efforts using a variety of media, including web page development, newsletters and other printed matter, oral presentations, and visual materials. You will focus on the education, examination, certification, re-certification and licensing of pesticide applicators. help ensure compliance with Oregon pesticide laws and regulations, EPA's revised Certification of Pesticide Applicators rule, and implement the EPA-approved Certification and Training (C&T) Plan. You will interact with, and provide excellent customer service to staff of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as with pesticide users. Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule with remote work opportunities and in-office work, as needed, may be available. This is a limited duration position expected to end June 30, 2027. 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

• Three years of experience in natural resources. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND a Bachelor's degree in a Natural Resource related education.
• OR a total of six years of related (pertinent) experience.
• NOTE: 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.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Fluent in English and Spanish

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work both independently, but also as part of a collaborative team
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to remain objective and analyze a problem from multiple angles before coming to a conclusion
• Excellent verbal and written (especially technical writing) communication skills
• Ability to build relationships with customers through intentional engagement
• Focus on providing excellent service to both internal and external customers
• Dedication to professionalism
• Attention to detail
• Experience translating pesticide information

Responsibilities

• Focus on the education, examination, certification, re-certification and licensing of pesticide applicators
• Help ensure compliance with Oregon pesticide laws and regulations, EPA's revised Certification of Pesticide Applicators rule, and implement the EPA-approved Certification and Training (C&T) Plan
• Interact with, and provide excellent customer service to staff of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as with pesticide users
• Conduct educational efforts using a variety of media, including web page development, newsletters and other printed matter, oral presentations, and visual materials

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees