Department of Environmental Quality – Eugene, OR
You will serve as part of the statewide water quality program with responsibilities for the development of policy and rules and overall statewide administration of the Onsite Wastewater Management Program. Your responsibilities will include rule writing; developing guidance; facilitating and participating in the Onsite Lead Group meetings; participating on advisory committees; providing technical assistance to DEQ and Contract County Agents, regulated entities, and the public; and performing other duties as assigned.
What’s in it for you!
The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! DEQ cares deeply about employee wellness and benefits. 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 physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field, AND 4 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.
- Registration by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency as an Environmental Health Specialist, Environmental Health Specialist Trainee, Waste Water Specialist, or Waste Water Specialist Trainee. Please see registration requirements to verify eligibility here : https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Environmental-Health-Registration.aspx and contact JOBS@deq.oregon.gov if you have any questions (Applicants do not need to have current registration at the time of hire, but must demonstrate that they meet the requirements to obtain the full registration or at a minimum a trainee registration within 30 days of employment. The full registration must occur within two years of employment. Continued employment in this position will be contingent upon the successful applicant maintaining the required registration).
- 10 quarter hours of soil science courses in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology, Physical Geology, and Geomorphology, or the ability to complete within 2 years of hire. DEQ will pay for the courses if you need to take them.
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following desired attributes.
- Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities; ability to take personal responsibility for increasing their knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- At least 5 years of full-time experience in onsite wastewater treatment methods, with at least 3 of those years in Oregon.
- Knowledge and skill in the classification, characteristics, and behavior of soils and the transport of water and wastewater through soils.
- Knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment system technology and requirements for permitting; experience inspecting and evaluating onsite septic systems.
- Experience in providing technical assistance, training, and quality assurance related to onsite wastewater programs and/or other related environmental health or natural resource programs.
- Experience investigating environmental complaints.
- Experience reviewing design plans for new construction, alterations, and repairs of wastewater treatment systems.
- Experience regulating sewage treatment systems including issuing permits and authorizations for new construction, alterations, or repairs of onsite septic systems.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences; skill in writing and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses; skill in conflict resolution, negotiation, and collaboration.
Working Conditions
DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness.
This position will be based out of the DEQ’s Portland, Bend, Eugene, or Salem office, however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. At DEQ sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees.
There will be occasional statewide travel by car for meetings, trainings, conferences, public hearings and meetings, workshops, and field visits (such as wastewater treatment facilities, land application sites, and spill or complaint sites). During field visits, there may be exposure to pollutants, pathogens or hazardous materials, chemicals, contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants, challenging field conditions (steep slopes, heavy vegetation, and uneven terrain), and inclement weather. Evening and weekend work, as well as occasional overnight stays, will occur.
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