Remedial Action Hydrogeologist (Natural Resource Specialist 4 – Hydrogeologist / Natural Resource Specialist 4 – Underfill)

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a full-time Remedial Action Hydrogeologist (Natural Resource Specialist 4 – Hydrogeologist / Natural Resource Specialist 4 – Underfill) in Portland, Oregon. DEQ is the primary regulatory agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon's natural resources. This position is in the Northwest Region, which provides services such as compliance inspection, enforcement, permitting, complaint investigation, spill response, and technical assistance. The role involves serving as a Project Manager for hazardous substance cleanup sites through investigation, feasibility study, design, construction, and operation phases, and providing hydrogeological technical expertise for groundwater and subsurface investigations and cleanup.

Requirements

• 7 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
• Current registration as an Oregon Professional Geologist (for Natural Resource Specialist 4 – Hydrogeologist)
• 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.
• Ability to meet the minimum qualifications for the Natural Resource Specialist 4 – Hydrogeologist by obtaining Oregon registration for the Oregon Professional Geologist license within 3 years of employment (for underfill option).

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.
• Demonstrated expert-level experience and current knowledge in hydrogeology and contaminant fate and transport in the subsurface, as well as site characterization, groundwater monitoring, soil and ground water contamination assessment, and corrective action for contamination problems.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and organizational skills; prior consulting or regulatory experience in a project manager role, including experience planning, leading, and implementing projects and programs.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and Access), as well as computer programs such as Google Earth and Acrobat; demonstrated proficiency in data management and statistics; basic understanding of GIS and a robust understanding and proficiency in groundwater modeling.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Project Manager during the site investigation, feasibility study, design, construction, and operation phases of cleanup at hazardous substance cleanup sites.
• Provide hydrogeological technical expertise and assistance for groundwater and subsurface investigations and cleanup at sites with hazardous substances.
• Conduct field visits, which may involve air, soil gas, and groundwater sampling; supervising monitoring well construction or beneficial water well use survey; supervising reconnaissance (direct push) or drilling for sampling; and other remedial investigatory or removal work.
• Manage projects related to environmental investigations and cleanups of sites contaminated with hazardous substances, including petroleum hydrocarbons.
• Serve as a project team leader for remedial action projects.

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)

What This Job Offers

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