Job Description

Initial Posting Date: 07/19/2024Application Deadline: 08/04/2024Agency: Department of AgricultureSalary Range: $4,998 - $7,647Position Type: EmployeePosition Title: Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Water Quality Program Compliance Specialist):Are you a water quality expert with knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of working in a regulatory environment? Are you skilled at engaging with industry, private landowners, and regulatory agencies to implement state and/or federal regulations? If you are excited about working collaboratively with farmers, ranchers, and other partners to ensure water quality on agricultural lands in Oregon, then consider joining the ODA an submit your application for the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Water Quality Program Compliance Specialist) for ODA\xe2\x80\x99s Agricultural Water Quality Program.Oregon Department of Agriculture \xe2\x80\x93 Who we are:At the , employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. .What you\xe2\x80\x99ll be doing as a Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Water Quality Program Compliance Specialist):This position focuses on the prevention and control of agricultural pollution of surface and groundwater resources. In this role, you will support the implementation of agricultural water quality management area plans and initiatives, and compliance with area and agricultural channel drainage maintenance rules. This position is responsible for:You will conduct onsite investigations to evaluate compliance with agricultural water quality and drainage channel maintenance rules.In addition, you will support water quality program initiatives including but not limited to , , periodic review of , monitoring projects, and grant administration.This position covers a large geographical area in which frequent and direct supervision may not be available.Working Conditions:This is a permanent full-time position, located in Salem, Oregon. This is a hybrid position which allows for flexibility in schedule and offers remote work when possible and available. The employee will be required to report into the Salem Headquarters on a frequent basis.Will require regular driving and travel around the state to attend meetings, conduct inspections, and field work on farms and ranches in all types of weather conditions. Some work may need to be conducted during evening hours and on weekends. Work locations away from the office will vary, including a variety of business and public locations. Driving great distances across the entire state of Oregon in all weather conditions and some overnight travel is required of this position. Out-of-state travel to professional meetings or regional conferences may be required. Occasionally deals with hostile or angry individuals.What we\xe2\x80\x99re looking for?To Qualify for the Position, You Need:Three years of experience in natural resources. At least one year of the experience must be 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; AND A Bachelor\'s degree in agriculture, environmental science, range land science, or other related degree fields, or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.Must have a current and valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s license and acceptable driving record.A Master\'s degree in agriculture, environmental science, range land science, or other related degree fields, will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.A Doctorate degree in agriculture, environmental science, range land science, or other related degree fields, will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.Requested Skills (Desired attributes):You do not need to have all of the skills below to be eligible for this position. Please let us know which of these skills you do have by demonstrating them in your application.Excellent communication skills to facilitate and negotiate solutions to complex regulatory issues.Proven ability to build partnerships across diverse community and stakeholder groups and interests.Familiarity with interpreting Oregon Revised Statutes and Oregon Administrative Rules, federal laws, procedures, principles, and regulations.Experience in development of program rules and policies and long and short-range goals.Knowledgeable of working in a Microsoft Teams environment.Knowledgeable of the agricultural sectors in the state of OregonAbility to speak a second language beyond English; a bilingual differential is available to employees where there is a business need for the use of a language other than English (Spanish preferred)How to apply:Required: Attach a cover letter and a resume to your application. Demonstrate how you meet the qualifications and requested skills in your application. Applications without both requested documents attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.Ensure your application shows your relevant work experience and/or related education; this may be in the form of a filled-out application and/or through an attached resume.Ensure your cover letter includes specific examples of how your background and experience relate to this position including . Your cover letter may be addressed to the hiring manager Kevin Fenn.Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your Workday account for additional tasks to complete such as questionnaires and to request veteran\xe2\x80\x99s preferences (if applicable).What\xe2\x80\x99s in it for youThe opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package including comprehensive for employees and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and, a year. In addition, we offer membership in the , , and the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the . In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the .Additional Information:Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.Please review the page for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process following . Prior to making a job offer, an internal pay equity assessment will be completed. The successful candidate\xe2\x80\x99s professional experience and education will be compared to the state employee workforce performing work of a comparable character to determine appropriate placement in the salary new to state service typically receive a salary within the first half of the salary range.NOTE: Please ensure you\xe2\x80\x99ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the homepage.United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security\'s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 (See page 3) for employment verification.Questions/Need Help?If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please contact mail to: or call 503-986-4584.

State of Oregon