Natural Resource Specialist 4 Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) (Permit Coordinator)

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

49d

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a talented and Natural Resource Specialist 4 to help support the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program as a Permit Coordinator. As the Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Permit Coordinator) in the CAFO Program you will assist new and existing CAFOs with permit compliance and develop and implement enforcement strategies to address violations. In addition, you will be part of a team investigating complaints on complex sources or issues, determining compliance or noncompliance, and initiating corrective action, as appropriate. This position assists the program manager in developing CAFO permits, conducting public noticing, and responding to public comments, as well as other CAFO permit administrative activities. Our Natural Resource Specialist 4 (CAFO Permit Coordinator) is a permanent full-time position, located in Salem, Oregon, and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). Compliance is achieved through permitting and inspection of CAFOs. The program regulates livestock operations to prevent and control water pollution and watershed degradation from livestock operations. Oregon's permit program includes both state and federal water quality regulations. The number of permitted livestock operations in the state is about 500. Operating according to the conditions of the permit assures that animal wastes are not discharged to waters of the state. Achieving and maintaining a high level of compliance protects surface water from exceeding water quality standards and protects the water for beneficial uses including drinking, irrigation, recreation, wildlife habitat, etc. which are important to both agricultural producers and the public. It is critical to the sustainability of Oregon agriculture that operators of livestock facilities comply with state and federal water quality laws to ensure that water resources continue to be available. Click here to view a full description of this position.

Requirements

Three years of experience in natural resources programs (animal agriculture experience preferred) and/or environmental water quality compliance.
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
Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field; OR a total of six years of related experience.
A Master's degree in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
A Doctorate degree in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field will substitute for up to two years of the required 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

Experience in agriculture, animal science, environmental science, hydrology, and environmental compliance, with a particular focus on Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and experience analyzing and interpreting environmental data
Familiarity with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Wastewater Pollution Control Facility (WPCF)
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

Responsibilities

Assist new and existing CAFOs with permit compliance
Develop and implement enforcement strategies to address violations
Investigate complaints on complex sources or issues
Determine compliance or noncompliance
Initiate corrective action, as appropriate
Assist the program manager in developing CAFO permits
Conduct public noticing
Respond to public comments
Other CAFO permit administrative activities

Benefits

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision, and dental benefits for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.
The state offers membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, a deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
Employees of the state may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

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