Onsite Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4 â Environmental Health Specialist)
Onsite Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4 â Environmental Health Specialist)
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Job Description
Initial Posting Date:
05/15/2025Application Deadline:
06/01/2025Agency:
Department of Environmental QualitySalary Range:
$6414 $9875Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Onsite Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4 Environmental Health Specialist)Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness equity inclusion and belonging. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities while advancing our individual professional goals and while collaborating to protect preserve and enhance the environment for current and future generations. We celebrate and appreciate diversity champion equity and treat each other with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race color national origin ethnicity veteran status gender sexual orientation religion age or physical or mental disability.
Are you passionate about preserving enhancing and protecting Oregons 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 missionfocused individuals tasked with maintaining restoring and enhancing the quality of Oregons air land and water.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) currently has a fulltime opportunity for an Onsite Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4 Environmental Health Specialist). This position may be located in Portland Bend Eugene or Salem Oregon (finalist may choose work location).
Please consider joining an innovative team and work to advance our agencys mission to protect and improve Oregons environmental quality.
About DEQ!
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulatory agency of the government of the U.S. State of Oregon responsible for protecting and enhancing the states natural resources. Here is a video about DEQ: has a centralized policy and planning component and regional offices to accomplish its mission. There are 3 regions (Northwest Western and Eastern). 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
Over 30% of Oregonians dispose of wastewater from their homes and businesses through the use of septic systems. The siting design installation and ongoing operation and maintenance of septic systems is regulated through the Onsite Wastewater Management Program. Without this oversight septic systems can fail or malfunction pollute Oregons land and waterways with raw sewage and create public health hazards.
DEQ directly manages the onsite septic system program in 6 counties referred to as direct service counties. 30 counties manage the program under contracts with DEQ referred to as contract counties. DEQ and the contract counties are responsible for ensuring that septic tank pumpers have the necessary equipment to safely pump transport and dispose of the waste from septic systems known as septage. In addition DEQ certifies and licenses installers and pumpers and reviews and approves products such as septic tanks alternative treatment technologies and alternative drainfield products.
Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.
What you will do!
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.
Whats 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 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 Oregons environment apply today!
This is a fulltime AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
What are we looking for
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelors 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: and contact 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 applicantmaintaining 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 fulltime 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 DEQs 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.
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 knowledge article for assistance.
Helpful Tips:
- Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application.
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- This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.
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Help Your Application Rise to the Top!
Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your amazing skills and experience. 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 materials.
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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:. For privacy reasons please do not attach veterans preference documents when initially applying. Instead you will be asked to submit those at a later time as part of a future task in Workday.
Equal Pay Analysis:
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 for more information. Please note: the salary listed is the nonPERS 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 Securitys Form I9 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 EVerify employer and will use EVerify 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 DEQs Recruitment Team at or. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
