Materials Management Regional Specialist (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 available for a Materials Management Regional Specialist (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. There are 3 regions (Northwest, Western, and Eastern); this position is in the Northwest Region. The Regions provide the following services: compliance inspection of regulated entities; enforcement of permit requirements and administrative rules; issuance of air, water, and solid waste permits; investigation of complaints; issuance of subsurface permits in counties; response to spills or other incidents with environmental impacts; direct contact and liaison with other governmental entities, industries, and the public; and technical assistance to regulated entities and the public. Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.
What you will do!
You will implement materials management programs and projects to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of materials produced, used, and discarded in Oregon, by providing technical assistance to wastesheds working closely with Metro, county and municipal governments to ensure compliance with the Recycling Opportunity Act. You will provide technical assistance on materials management, waste reduction, recycling and waste disposal to the public and regulated community. You will support long-range planning and education related to sustainable materials management at the local, regional, and state levels, as well as the EPA, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. In addition, you will contribute to projects that implement the DEQ Materials Management Program 2050 Vision for sustainable materials management including conducting research, setting grant priorities, developing and implementing programs to promote sustainable materials management. You may participate on projects to encourage food waste recovery and food waste prevention, voluntary business programs, and sustainable consumption. You will help evaluate grant applications and work with grant recipients to develop grant contracts and administer the grant program for the Northwest Region. You will assist the public and regulated community with waste reduction and materials management.
What’s in it for you!
The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where your contribution to protecting Oregon’s environment is truly meaningful! 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 10 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 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:
- Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying rules, regulation, laws, agency guidance, and procedures regarding materials management, sustainability, waste prevention, recycling, and solid waste management and disposal.
- Knowledge of sustainable materials management practices and alternatives; knowledge of life cycle impacts of products and materials.
- Ability to provide technical assistance regarding sustainable materials management
- Basic science or engineering education that includes an understanding of principles of air, water, and waste pollution control.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; skill in writing clear and concise reports describing complex regulatory determinations.
- Experience conducting research and writing reports regarding environmental programs.
- Experience making regulatory determinations for compliance with local, state, or federal air, water, or solid waste environmental regulatory requirements.
- Experience serving on technical committees to evaluate environmental issues, and provide advice regarding policy, guidance, or rule development.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, many sectors of the public, and other natural resource agencies, including communicating technical information; professional level writing and presentation acumen.
- Experience issuing and administering grants
- Experience and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Working Conditions:
Work is generally performed in an office setting. Occasional field visits to sites to observe, inspect, and evaluate environmental impacts will occur. Occasional participation in afterhours and weekend meetings. Occasional outdoor work will be required to observe, inspect, and monitor facilities. During field activities, there may be exposure to pollutants, chemicals, contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants, and fall or tripping hazards. In-state and out-of-state travel will occur for meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, household hazardous waste collection events, and visits to permitted facilities. Must possess a valid current driver’s license.
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.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information:
The State of Oregon requires all executive branch employees to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series or have an approved exception to the requirement due to a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief. Successful candidates for this position must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exception prior to their first day of employment. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination or receipt of an approved exception will lead to withdrawal of the job offer. For more information, visit our policy listed here.
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.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Jack Duncan, Human Resources Analyst, at jack.duncan@deq.state.or.us or (503) 229-5021. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.