Wastewater Operator Certification Assistant (Office Specialist 2)

State of Oregon • Street, MD

3d • $3,579 - $4,852 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a full-time Wastewater Operator Certification Assistant (Office Specialist 2) in Portland, Oregon. This role is within the Northwest Region’s Water Quality Source Control section. DEQ is the primary regulatory agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s natural resources, with the Water Quality Division playing a critical role in maintaining and restoring the quality of the state's water. The Water Quality Division works with regional offices and the Laboratory to deliver programs and services that protect public health and the environment. Regional services include compliance inspections, permit issuance, complaint investigations, spill response, and technical assistance.

Requirements

• 2 years of general clerical experience that included keyboarding, word processing, and generating documents, OR an Associate’s degree.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Office products: Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, and Access.
• Familiarity with business connectivity software such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or other similar software.
• Experience using standard office equipment such as desktop and laptop computers, printers, copiers, scanners, video equipment, etc.
• Experience with databases, including entering data, running reports, and maintaining data integrity; familiarity with various DEQ Databases such as YDO, JIRA, etc.
• Demonstrated customer service skills; ability to act professionally and courteously with internal and external individuals, including coworkers, managers, other staff, and members of the public in-person, via e-mail, and via phone.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with an ability to switch priorities or projects seamlessly; high aptitude for learning new things and an ability to pay attention to detail.
• Experience with records management; experience maintaining electronic and hard-copy files; experience using software for records management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting data, laws, policies, and procedures, and providing guidance on them to the general public.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience and personal commitment to building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture where all team members feel empowered to contribute.
• Familiarity with various DEQ Databases such as YDO, JIRA, etc.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 and Office products: Word, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Teams, and Access.
• Familiarity with business connectivity software such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or other similar software.

Responsibilities

• Review new applications and process renewal certificates for wastewater certificates.
• Perform first-tier review of incoming applications.
• Respond to phone and email inquiries from the public about the operator certification program.
• Create various written communication products.
• Serve as the first point of contact to the public, responding to inquiries in the program’s shared email inbox.
• Work within Your DEQ Online (YDO).

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 Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree