NPDES Permit Writer (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

14h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a full-time NPDES Permit Writer (Natural Resource Specialist 3) in Portland, Oregon. This role is within the Water Quality Source Control section of DEQ’s Northwest Region. DEQ is the primary regulatory agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s natural resources, with the Water Quality Division playing a critical role in improving and protecting water quality. The Northwest Region provides services such as compliance inspections, permit issuance, complaint investigations, and technical assistance. This position will develop National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for major and minor sources across Oregon and will solve complex NPDES permit-related issues, including developing strategies for compliance with water quality standards.

Requirements

• 6 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field, with at least 1 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.
• Master’s degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 4 of the required years of experience.
• Doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 5 of the required years of experience.
• Knowledge of laws, procedures, principles, regulations governing Federal and State water quality programs and subprograms.
• Ability to learn laws, regulations, and permit procedures applicable to the technology and industry under review.
• Excellent project management skills; ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate large, complex projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences.
• Skill in writing and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States and complete Form I-9 on the first day of employment. Must present documents establishing employment authorization and identity within three business days of the first day of employment. DEQ is an E-Verify employer.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Ability to take personal responsibility for increasing their knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Experience developing and/or implementing NPDES permits.
• Experience using computer modeling and statistical tools to analyze study results.
• Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses.
• Experience collaborating with varied and diverse groups of communities in urban and rural settings.
• Experience with initiatives involving tribal nations.

Responsibilities

• Develop National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for major and minor sources that originate in any part of Oregon.
• Solve difficult NPDES permit-related problems, such as developing strategies for compliance with water quality standards or discharges to water quality limited water bodies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans 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).
• Opportunity for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
• DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home.
• Access to a workspace at DEQ sites, which may be shared.

What This Job Offers

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