Onsite Resource Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 Environmental Health Specialist)

Department Of Environmental Quality • Medford, OR

259d • $5,573 - $8,543 • Remote

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability. Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon's environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon's air, land, and water. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for an Onsite Resource Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 - Environmental Health Specialist). The position will be located in Coos Bay, Eugene, or Medford, Oregon (finalist may choose work location).

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• 3 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field.
• At least 1 year of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program.
• Registration by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency as an Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist Trainee, Waste Water Specialist, or Waste Water Specialist Trainee.
• 10 quarter hours of soil science courses in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology, Physical Geology, and Geomorphology, or the ability to complete within 2 years of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Knowledge and skill in the classification, characteristics, and behavior of soils and the transport of water and wastewater through soils.
• Knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment system technology and requirements for permitting.
• Experience inspecting and evaluating onsite septic systems.
• Experience investigating environmental complaints.
• Experience reviewing design plans for new construction, alterations, and repairs of wastewater treatment systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Onsite Wastewater Management Program technical expert in the evaluation, inspection, and permitting of onsite septic systems, including large Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF)-Onsite permits.
• Evaluate hundreds of onsite applications submitted to the Western Region offices each year from individual homeowners, small businesses, and licensed installers.
• Respond to technical questions from the public regarding the program's requirements and the care and maintenance of septic systems.
• Address complaints regarding potential septic system violations, which may lead to enforcement actions.
• Assist local community groups by attending meetings and presenting information.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members.
• Paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Potential loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Environmental Quality Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree