Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Water Quality Specialist)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

22h • $5,458 - $8,352 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to help support the Agricultural Water Quality Program. This position is for a Natural Resource Specialist 3 (South Willamette Valley/Mid Coast Regional Water Quality Specialist) and involves working with farmers, ranchers, and other partners to improve water quality on agricultural lands in the Willamette Valley/Mid Coast region. The role supports water quality program initiatives, including periodic review of area plans and rules, monitoring projects, and grant administration. It also involves conducting onsite investigations to evaluate compliance with agricultural water quality and drainage channel maintenance rules. The position covers a large geographical area requiring regular driving and travel around the state in various weather conditions. Employees may work around trucks, lift-trucks, tractors, and other potentially hazardous equipment, and may spend time in unsanitary conditions, near live animals, and lifting objects 50-60 lbs. Occasional night meetings, weekend work, and extended work weeks may be required, as well as out-of-state travel. The position may involve dealing with hostile or angry individuals. This is a permanent full-time position located in Salem, Oregon, which can be housed in the Salem ODA office or teleworked from a home office in the Willamette Valley/Coast vicinity.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in natural resources.
• At least one year of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• A Bachelor's degree in agriculture, environmental science, rangeland science, or other related degree fields, or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.
• A current and valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• A Master's degree in agriculture, environmental science, rangeland science, or other related degree fields, will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in agriculture, environmental science, rangeland science, or other related degree fields, will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
• Attach a cover letter and a resume to your application.
• Demonstrate how you meet the qualifications and requested skills in your application.
• Cover letter must show experience and skills related to: Communication (written and oral), Collaboration and community engagement (work with partners to build partnerships, work with agricultural landowners), Highlight knowledge of agricultural activities and production, Compliance and enforcement (processing complaints, conducting investigations, and documentation from investigations), Data management and analysis (monitoring, sampling, GIS, and any other relevant work).
• Applications without both requested documents attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.
• Ensure your resume and application show relevant work experience and/or related education.
• Ensure your cover letter includes specific examples of how your background and experience relate to the requirements.
• Complete US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9 within three days of hire, confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• Present I-9 acceptable documents for employment verification if successful candidate.

Nice To Haves

• Speak Spanish.
• Knowledgeable of working in a Microsoft Teams environment.
• Experience related to compliance and enforcement of Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Knowledgeable of the agricultural sectors in the Willamette Valley and Mid Coast.

Responsibilities

• Support water quality program initiatives including Strategic Implementation, periodic review of area plans and rules, monitoring projects, and grant administration.
• Conduct onsite investigations to evaluate compliance with agricultural water quality and drainage channel maintenance rules.
• Regular driving and travel around the state to attend meetings, conduct inspections, and perform field work on farms and ranches in all types of weather conditions.
• Work around trucks, lift-trucks, tractors, and other potentially hazardous equipment.
• Spend occasional time in unsanitary conditions, working in proximity to live animals, and lifting objects 50-60 lbs.
• Attend occasional night meetings, weekend work, and extended work weeks.
• Perform occasional out-of-state travel to professional meetings or regional conferences.
• Deal with hostile or angry individuals.

Benefits

• Competitive and affordable health and benefits package.
• Excellent medical, vision and dental coverage.
• Paid holidays off.
• Personal business leave.
• Paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave.
• Optional benefits: basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.

What This Job Offers

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