Onsite Resource Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Environmental Health Specialist / Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Underfill)

State of Oregon • Medford, OR

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a full-time Onsite Resource Specialist to join their team in Medford, Oregon. This role is crucial for protecting and improving Oregon's water quality by regulating onsite septic systems. The specialist will serve as a technical expert, evaluating, inspecting, and permitting these systems in Jackson, Josephine, and Curry Counties. This involves reviewing hundreds of applications annually, responding to technical questions from the public, investigating potential violations, and occasionally presenting information at meetings. DEQ is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, valuing diversity, and promoting fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging among its employees.

Requirements

• 6 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 such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities
• Registration by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency as an Environmental Health Specialist or Waste Water Specialist (for Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Environmental Health Specialist role).
• Registration by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee or Waste Water Specialist Trainee (for Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Underfill role). Applicants do not need to have current registration at the time of hire, but must demonstrate that they meet the requirements to obtain a trainee registration within 30 days of employment.
• 10 hours of soil science courses in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology, Physical Geology, and Geomorphology.
• 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, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 4 of the required years of experience.
• Doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 5 of the required years of experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to meet the minimum qualifications for the Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Environmental Health Specialist by obtaining your Environmental Health Specialist or Waste Water Specialist registration by the Oregon Health Licensing Office and by completing 10 hours of soil science courses within 3 years of employment (if hired as an underfill).

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.
• 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; 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.
• Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an Onsite Wastewater Management Program technical expert in the evaluation, inspection, and permitting of onsite septic systems in Jackson, Josephine, and Curry Counties.
• Review hundreds of onsite applications submitted to the Medford office 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.
• Investigate complaints regarding potential septic system violations, some of which can lead to enforcement actions.
• Attend meetings and present information to local interested parties as an onsite technical expert.
• Conduct field visits to wastewater treatment facilities, land application sites, and spill or complaint sites.
• Regulate sewage treatment systems including issuing permits and authorizations for new construction, alterations, or repairs of onsite septic systems.

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 to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

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