Forest Nonpoint Source Quality Analyst (Natural Resource Specialist 3)
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the preferred qualification. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet the qualifications of this position, please contact us to discuss your application.
Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water. Here is a video about DEQ: https://youtu.be/iP3K7JoLe1k
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity for a Forest Nonpoint Source Quality Analyst (Natural Resource Specialist 3) in Portland, Oregon.
Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality. The Water Quality Division has a critical role in achieving the Department’s mission by developing policy, implementation tools, and implementation priorities for improving and protecting the quality of water in Oregon’s waterways. The Water Quality Division works cooperatively with the Department’s three regional offices and the Laboratory to deliver programs and services that protect and enhance the quality of the waters of the state to protect public health and the environment.
The Watershed Management Section of the Water Quality Program oversees the development and maintenance of the water quality management plan; establishes total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), waste load allocations, and load allocations to be achieved by those streams and water bodies that do not currently meet water quality standards; coordinates on Nonpoint Source Program issues internal and external to DEQ; administers the 319 Grant Program; provides statewide coordination for drinking water source protection; and provides statewide coordination of water quality activities on the Columbia River.
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What you will do!
You will provide water quality data analysis, water quality evaluation and assessment, and technical modeling of complex pesticide, riparian shade, and other water quality data requiring GIS, ArcView, and other technical expertise to evaluate water quality on forestlands and effects from forest land use, management, rules, and regulations, as well as their effects on beneficial uses such as aquatic life and drinking water. You will perform water quality assessments and assist with technical and policy consultation and coordination on forest rulemaking, adaptive management, mapping of streams and road abandonment processes, forest management plan reviews, monitoring, and technical assistance to internal staff, agencies, and the public. In addition, you will be responsible for coordination with the forestlands water quality lead, DEQ’s Laboratory, regional staff, and other DEQ programs, as well as external agencies and stakeholders.
What’s in it for you!
The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!
This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
What are we looking for?
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or closely related field, AND 3 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable). 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.
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:
- Experience with water quality and watershed modeling, as well as statistical analysis.
- Knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices necessary for the assessment of data from complex natural and anthropogenic systems, and the development and application of watershed and water quality mathematical modeling related to determining TMDLs and water quality management plans.
- Knowledge of project or program administration methods, principles, techniques, and practices for Federal and State water quality programs; knowledge of laws, procedures, principles, and regulations governing Federal and State water quality programs or subprograms.
- Knowledge of technological changes and developments in the water quality field.
- Skill and experience in analyzing physical, chemical, and biological data, and performing statistical analysis to determine the effects of multiple variables on water quality.
- Experience analyzing spatial and temporal data for the development of pollutant source assessment.
- Knowledge of adaptive management methods; experience developing and applying adaptive management plans.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; skill in writing and presenting position papers as the spokesperson for a program or the agency; ability to work with and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, many sectors of the public, colleagues, and other natural resource agencies, including communicating technical information.
Working Conditions:
Work is primarily in an office setting. This position requires occasional travel on official State business for fieldwork, assessments, meetings, training, conferences, or public hearings, some of which may include overnight stays, extended work hours, and/or weekend work. Physical outdoor activity involved during field activities may include exposure to adverse weather conditions, pollutants, chemicals, contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants, fall or tripping hazards, stairs, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and substantial walking.
How to Apply: (complete the application in full)
- External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
- Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance.
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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.
Veterans Information:
DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources, or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying. You will be asked to submit those at a later time.
Pay Equity:
As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information. Please note: the salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.
Work Authorization:
DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. DEQ is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Maddy Ouye, Human Resources Analyst, at maddy.ouye@deq.oregon.gov or (503) 347-5759. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.