Natural Resource Specialist 3 - Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Livestock Water Quality Specialist

State of Oregon • Hermiston, OR

20h • Onsite

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. This permanent full-time position is based in Hermiston, Oregon, and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The specialist will conduct inspections of various CAFO operations to ensure compliance with permit requirements, preventing manure and wastewater from polluting ground and surface water. They will also provide technical assistance to new and existing CAFO operators to help them understand and comply with permit requirements, and implement enforcement actions for violations. Additionally, the role involves investigating complaints, determining compliance or noncompliance, and initiating corrective actions. The specialist will assist the program manager in developing permits, conducting public noticing, and responding to comments and other permit administrative activities. The CAFO program regulates approximately 500 livestock operations in the state to prevent and control water pollution and watershed degradation, ensuring animal wastes are not discharged to state waters. This work is critical for protecting surface water quality for beneficial uses like drinking, irrigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat, and for the sustainability of Oregon agriculture.

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 Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Natural Resources, or related field; OR a total of six years of related experience.
• A valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to provide a satisfactory alternate mode of transportation is required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge regarding dairy and livestock operations, hydrology, and agronomy, 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.
• Lived experience may count towards the desired attributes.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Implement enforcement actions to address violations.
• Investigate complaints, determine compliance or noncompliance, and initiate corrective action, as appropriate.
• Assist the program manager in developing permits, conducting public noticing, and responding to comments and other permit administrative activities.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package with comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits for the employee and their qualified family members.
• Paid sick leave.
• Vacation leave.
• Personal leave.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Deferred compensation.
• Opportunity to potentially receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

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