Wetland Ecologist

State of Oregon • Bend, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Are you experienced in aquatic resource management and passionate about safeguarding wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) by March 12th, 2026! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Bend office, with training in Salem the first three to five days, in-office days in Bend two times a week for the first six weeks and then at least two-three times per month for the duration of the position. The successful candidate must be able to travel for onsite visits within Oregon on short notice and, within six months of hiring, live within commutable distance to the Bend office. Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s wetland and waterways for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3), you will too. The Wetland Ecologist is the technical expert for wetland delineation review and is responsible for supporting agency personnel in determination of wetland boundaries and state jurisdiction. The Wetland Ecologist is responsible for communicating information to public and local agencies. The successful candidate will make wetland jurisdictional determinations and assist Aquatic Resource Coordinators with on-site evaluations, review notices and inventories, and provide education and outreach about Oregon wetlands and waterways.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience in aquatic resource management.
• At least one year of experience must be at a technical level or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science, OR three (3) additional years of related experience.

Nice To Haves

• Customer service experience
• Experience communicating specific program requirements to a wide variety of people and abilities including public, private and government entities
• Time management skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Conflict resolution skills
• Data collection experience in wetland and waterways
• Wetland delineation and stream ecology experience
• Experience reading and interpreting data collected on the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual regional supplements
• Plant identification skills
• Soil identification skills
• Experience using desktop GIS software including ARCGIS Pro
• Professional Wetland Scientist Certification (or in progress)

Responsibilities

• Explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the public, consultants, and other agency partners.
• Assist the public, consultants, and staff with wetland and waterway identification and delineation; provide guidance on conducting delineations and preparing reports according to state requirements.
• Review wetland delineation reports, including data, maps, and photographs to affirm boundaries of wetlands and waterways; identify data gaps or conduct on-site verification of reports as needed.
• Conduct on and off-site jurisdictional determinations of aquatic resources including wetlands and waterways.
• Explain the results of determinations to the public, local governments, and other professionals.
• Educate and inform local governments and the public about requirements for wetland land use; evaluate and respond to Wetland Land Use Notices submitted by local governments.
• Collaborate with Aquatic Resource Coordinators in the collection and interpretation of field data for use in investigations or enforcement actions.

Benefits

• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical and dental insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave and eight (8) hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every five (5) years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, one (1) floating holiday, three (3) personal business days and other medical, vision and dental benefits, including flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after six (6) months of full-time service.
• Possibly qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

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