Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) - Three Openings

State of Oregon • Medford, OR

1d • $65,436 - $100,140 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking three full-time Stormwater Compliance Specialists (Natural Resource Specialist 3). This role involves reviewing and evaluating complex stormwater permit applications, technical reports, plans, and compliance strategies to ensure regulatory compliance for industrial and construction activities. The specialist will also conduct inspections, investigate complaints, evaluate data, and provide technical assistance. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for interacting with regulated entities, the public, and team members. The position requires collaboration across programs and regions to support problem-solving and achieve stormwater program goals. DEQ is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that values diversity, fairness, and belonging.

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.
• Valid driver’s license.

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.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work successfully with a team of staff and managers.
• Experience working with construction and industrial stormwater permit applications and components such as Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs) and Stormwater Pollution Control Plans (SWPCPs), including evaluating them and providing technical assistance.
• Experience conducting environmental regulatory inspections.
• Skills and experience maintaining a calm and professional demeanor in difficult situations and ability to de-escalate conflict when needed.
• Experience and knowledge of Clean Water Act enforcement practices.
• 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, and experience with initiatives involving tribal nations.
• 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 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

• Review and evaluate complex stormwater permit applications, technical reports, plans, compliance strategies, and other related documents to determine applicability, feasibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Make determinations about assigning permit coverage for industrial and construction activities to ensure regulatory standards are met and to reduce pollutant discharges to receiving waterbodies.
• Conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and evaluate data and reports to determine compliance.
• Provide technical and compliance assistance.
• Apply progressive enforcement strategies.
• Apply strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with regulated entities, the public, and fellow team members.
• Work collaboratively across programs, regions, and external partners to support shared problem-solving, strengthen relationships, and ensure consistent and effective implementation of stormwater program goals.

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)
• Hardware for remote work (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone)

What This Job Offers

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