Are you experienced in natural resources and passionate about wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Aquatic Resource Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3) by November 28th, 2024! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Salem office, with in-office days 2-3 times per month. Current state employees are encouraged to apply for this position as a job rotation by including written permission from their supervisor.

Making a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Aquatic Resource Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3), you will too.

The primary purpose of this position is to represent the regulatory program of the Department of State Lands. This includes issuing Removal-Fill Permits, reviewing monitoring reports for compensatory mitigation, and conducting compliance for authorized and unauthorized activities.

What’s In It for You?

• Join our team of collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities.  Use your skills and experience in natural resources to protect Oregon’s waterways and wetlands through the state’s Removal-Fill Law while engaging the public, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical and dental insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave and eight (8) hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every five (5) years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, one (1) floating holiday, three (3) personal business days and other medical, vision and dental benefits, including flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after six (6) months of full-time service.
• Possibly qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $4,993 - $7,641 for employees new to public service. After 6 months, you will receive a 6.95% increase with 6% going to your PERS retirement.
• Current PERS employees start at $5,340- $8,172. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

This position will report directly to our main Salem office. This is a full-time, permanent position represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Working Conditions

The successful candidate will work in an office setting; however, fieldwork and travel to remote locations are essential functions of the position. Work site visits may involve walking on uneven terrain or on wet muddy ground without pathways in all types of weather. Overnight stays and/or extended work hours can be expected along with exposure to inclement weather and difficult road conditions. Visits to on-site locations may be by vehicle, watercraft, or on foot.

What You Will Be Doing

As an Aquatic Resource Coordinator, you will have the opportunity to:

• Review, coordinate, and process applications including mitigation plans; prepare complex removal-fill permits.
• Explain and interpret laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the public, consultants, stakeholders, legislatures, and other agency partners.
• Use your skills and experience in natural resources to aid in State jurisdictional determinations within waterways and wetlands.
• Conduct site visits and investigate complaints to ensure compliance with removal-fill laws and regulations.
• Negotiate resolutions with applicants, landowners, responsible parties and their representatives, state agencies, federal agencies, tribal agencies, and local governments.
• Conduct outreach to the public, legislators, beneficiaries, and other constituents on behalf of DSL and its programs to increase awareness, build support, and facilitate positive, continuing relationships.

For a full description of the duties and working conditions, please email Tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov to request the position description.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, please ensure you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Three (3) years of experience in aquatic resource management. 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.

AND

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.

NOTE: A master’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

A doctorate degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Desired Attributes

Tell us which of the following skills, experiences, and related talents you have by highlighting them in your application materials.

• Excellent customer service, time management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience reviewing, interpreting, and explaining environmental regulations.
• Experience with local, state, federal, and tribal regulatory programs.
• Experience communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions, give assistance, and explain specific natural resource programs, regulations, and requirements.
• Experience using ArcGIS and mapping software including GPS tools in the field.
• General knowledge of the theories and principles of natural resource conservation, management, and protection.
• Basic knowledge of trends, technological changes, and developments in aquatic resource management.
• Experience conducting field surveys for wetlands, waterways, or other natural resource inventories.
• Self-motivated and ability to work under strict deadlines.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Experience reading or interpreting engineered drawings and natural resource data.
• Experience or training in de-escalating conflict.

How To Apply

Please attach a resume plus a cover letter of two (2) pages or less describing the above desired attributes you bring to this position.

Current state employees have the option to apply to this position as a job rotation by including written approval from their current supervisor.

The Oregon Department of State Lands is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse working environment. The Department hires staff interested in supporting environmental justice by including communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes. We encourage members of these communities to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the desired attributes. The Oregon Department of State Lands understands that an authentic focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace will in turn create a workforce aligned to meet the challenge of serving all Oregonians.

Additional Information

• This position may be used to fill future vacancies.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov and please be sure to include the job requisition number.  
• For more information about applying for positions with the State of Oregon via Workday, you may visit the Oregon job opportunities website at: www.oregon.gov/jobs.
• This position may be contingent upon the outcome of a driving records check.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources, or call Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666.After you apply, you may be asked to provide additional optional information. Please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section. Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
• As an employer, DSL complies with Oregon’s pay equity law. Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience. For more information on pay equity, click here.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
• For questions about the job duties or application process, please contact tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov or call 971-304-5881 to speak to our recruitment team.