Reclamationist/Geologist – Natural Resource Specialist 4

State of Oregon • Albany, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

As the Reclamationist/Geologist for the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, you will be a subject matter expert contributing to the successful permitting and oversight of aggregate and non-aggregate surface mining activities across Oregon. This position requires technical, science-based expertise in geology or natural resource science related to mineral resource exploration and the operation and reclamation of surface mines. You will also perform administrative and technical tasks as assigned, including but not limited to: special project management, research and analysis, outreach and consultation, agency representation and inter-agency coordination. The Reclamationist/Geologist works independently or as part of team to respond to complaints, conduct permit and site file review, field inspections and first-level enforcement to ensure mines and mining related activities do not cause environmental degradation or adverse impacts to adjacent or onsite natural resources. This position will work collaboratively with permittees, applicants, county and state agencies and other technical and administrative DOGAMI staff, to review permit applications and write complex, conditioned mining permits, formal agreements and reports addressing multidisciplinary issues.

Requirements

• Three years of experience in surface mining, mineral resource extraction or mined land reclamation.
• At least one year of the experience must be 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 Geology, Geological Engineering, closely related natural resource or engineering field or three additional years of related experience and course work.
• A Master's degree in Geology or Geological Engineering will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in Geology or Geological Engineering will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
• Must be a Registered Geologist in Oregon or equivalent professional licensure, or be qualified to obtain licensure.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license issued by the state where the employee resides.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in surface mining operation and reclamation, regulations, policy development and interpretation and application of statute and rule.
• Proven experience with field data collection, GIS software, database management, data analysis and interpretation.
• Demonstrated success and advanced knowledge of project management and project management principles, including coordinating projects among local, state, federal, and Tribal partners.
• Proven experience working with and communicating (verbally and in writing) controversial and complex scientific information constructively and helpfully to technical and non-technical audiences, government agencies, scientific partners and collaborators, contractors, other interested parties, and the public.
• Skill writing clear and concise investigative, technical, or narrative reports that include analysis, and recommendations for complex regulatory determinations.
• Two years’ experience in an equivalent agency role as a Natural Resource Specialist 4.
• Oregon Registered Geologist or Oregon Certified Engineering Geologist or experience in an area of professional practice that overlaps with a Registered Geologist or Certified Engineering Geologist.
• Current Oregon licensure is preferred, but those eligible to be licensed will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Permitting and oversight of aggregate and non-aggregate surface mining activities across Oregon.
• Perform administrative and technical tasks as assigned, including but not limited to: special project management, research and analysis, outreach and consultation, agency representation and inter-agency coordination.
• Respond to complaints, conduct permit and site file review, field inspections and first-level enforcement to ensure mines and mining related activities do not cause environmental degradation or adverse impacts to adjacent or onsite natural resources.
• Review permit applications and write complex, conditioned mining permits, formal agreements and reports addressing multidisciplinary issues.
• Work collaboratively with permittees, applicants, county and state agencies and other technical and administrative DOGAMI staff.

Benefits

• 5% salary differential for Oregon Licensed Geologist certification.
• Work/life balance
• 11 paid holidays a year
• Competitive benefits package
• Advancement and learning opportunities
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
• Hybrid work schedule is available after the onboarding process and integration to the organization has been completed.

What This Job Offers

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