Wetland Ecologist

State of Oregon•Salem, OR

1d•$5,453 - $8,345•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time, limited duration position expected to last through June 30, 2028, with a potential for extension. The role is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of the Salem office, requiring initial in-office days and then a hybrid schedule for the duration. The position involves representing the regulatory program of the Department of State Lands, serving as the technical expert for wetland delineation review, and supporting agency personnel in determining wetland boundaries and state jurisdiction. The Wetland Ecologist will communicate information to the public and local agencies, assist permit and enforcement 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 wetland and waterway resources.
At least one year of the 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.
A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, natural resources, or environmental science, OR three (3) additional years of related experience.
Ability to travel to site visits within Oregon on short notice.
Within six months of hiring, live within commutable distance to the Salem office.
Ability to accurately identify subtle color differences both on screens and collecting soil data.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, including meeting high-priority deadlines.
Occasional fieldwork may involve walking along and within waterways, on uneven terrain, on wet and muddy ground, and without pathways in all types of weather.
Occasional overnight stays and/or extended work hours may occur along with exposure to inclement weather, field, and road conditions.
Work can at times be in remote locations.

Nice To Haves

Experienced reviewing, collecting, or interpreting data using the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual and regional supplements.
Proficient identifying or collecting plant and soil data.
Experience with stream ecology principles, application, and field data collection.
Currently have or are in the process of obtaining the Professional Wetland Scientist Certification.
Proficient using GPS in the field and GIS software, such as ArcGIS Pro, for data analysis and mapping.
Strong written and verbal communication skills including professional internal and external customer service and high-quality deliverables.
Experience interpreting and explaining environmental regulations or programs to a wide variety of technical and non-technical audiences including public, private, and government entities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, including strong conflict resolution abilities.
Reliable, professional, self-motivated, and able to work under strict deadlines with strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

Provide interpretation and explanation of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the public, consultants, and other agency partners.
Serve as a DSL representative for entities including the Governor’s Office Regional Solutions Teams, permit applicants, other agencies, members of the public, and industry professionals.
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. Site visits and field data collection may be required prior to concurring with submitted reports.
Conduct on and off-site jurisdictional determinations of wetlands and waterways. Clearly communicate and document findings to the public, local governments, and other professionals.
Inform local governments and the public about requirements for wetland land use. Review Wetland Land Use Notices submitted by local governments.
Collaborate with the DSL’s permit and resource coordinators in the collection and interpretation of field data for use in investigations or enforcement actions.

Benefits

95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
Accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.
11 paid holidays, one (1) floating holiday, three (3) personal business days.
Medical, vision and dental benefits.
Flexible spending plans.
Mental health coverage.
Automatically enrolled into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after six (6) months of full-time service.
Possibly qualify for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
Agency-maintained vehicles.
Field gear reimbursement.
Travel expenses for authorized work-related travel and fieldwork.