Natural Resource Specialist 3 Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Livestock Water Quality Specialist

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Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a talented and dedicated Natural Resource Specialist 3 to help support the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program as a Livestock Water Quality Specialist.

As the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (CAFO Livestock Water Quality Specialist) you will conduct inspections of all types and sizes of CAFO operations to evaluate compliance with CAFO permit requirements so manure and wastewater do not pollute ground and surface water provide technical assistance to new and existing CAFO operators to help them understand and comply with permit requirements and implement enforcement actions to address addition you will investigate complaints determine compliance or noncompliance and initiate corrective action as appropriate. This position assists the program manager in developing permits conducting public noticing and responding to comments and other permit administrative activities.

Our Natural Resource Specialist 3 (CAFO Livestock Water Quality Specialist) is a permanent full-time position is based in Hermiston Oregon and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Compliance is achieved through permitting and inspection of (CAFOs. The program regulates livestock operations to prevent and control water pollution and watershed degradation from livestock operations. Oregons permit program includes both state and federal water quality regulations. The number of permitted livestock operations in the state is about 500. Operating according to the conditions of the permit assures that animal wastes are not discharged to waters of the state. Achieving and maintaining a high level of compliance protects surface water from exceeding water quality standards and protects the water for beneficial uses including drinking irrigation recreation wildlife habitat etc. which are important to both agricultural producers and the public. It is critical to the sustainability of Oregon agriculture that operators of livestock facilities comply with state and federal water quality laws to ensure that water resources continue to be available.

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Working Conditions

This position requires routine inspections of livestock operations to include dairy poultry swine beef feedlot and other animal confinement operations to perform facility assessments collect physical samples and determine compliance with permit requirements. Employees in this position work around trucks lift-trucks tractors and other potentially hazardous equipment. Occasional time is spent in unsanitary conditions working in proximity to live animals and lifting objects 50-60 lbs. Long distance travel in all weather conditions as well as occasional overnight travel is expected. Occasionally deals with hostile upset or angry individuals. Works outside in all weather conditions.

This position requires aflexible work schedulethat varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis but not necessarily each day or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis but not necessarily each day and does not exceed forty (40) hours in a workweek. Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor.

A valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record or the ability to provide a satisfactory alternate mode of transportation is required. This position may cover large geographical areas in which frequent and direct supervision is not available.

Whats 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 with comprehensive medical vision and dental benefits for the employee and their qualified family members as well as paid sick leave vacation leave personal leave and 11 paid holidaysa addition we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and deferred compensation and you have the opportunity to potentially receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon agriculture apply today!

Diversity Equity and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness equity inclusion and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity equity and inclusion. 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 desired attributes. If you are excited about this position we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of experience in natural resources programs (animal agriculture experience preferred). At least one year of the experience must be in researching analyzing data conducting investigations applying pertinent laws and regulations or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND a Bachelors degree in Animal Science Crop and Soil Science Natural Resources or related field; OR a total of six years of related experience.

• A Masters degree in Animal Science Crop and Soil Science Natural Resources or related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

• A Doctorate degree in Animal Science Crop and Soil Science Natural Resources or related field will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Desired Attributes:

• Knowledge regarding dairy and livestock operations hydrology and agronomy as well as general farming practices

• Skill communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions provide technical assistance and explain regulatory requirements

• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to assess complex problems and develop effective strategic solutions

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: April 26 2026

• 1st Round: May 4 8 2026

• 2nd Round if needed: TBA

*These dates are approximate and may change. *

Approximate start date: June 1 2026

** 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 requested skills. If you are excited about this position we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

How to apply:

Required: A cover letter & a resume isrequiredand is an important part of the application process. All application materials are reviewed by Human Resources the Hiring Manager and panel members throughout therecruitment process. Your cover letter & resume is a key opportunity to speak directly to each decision-maker highlight your skills and experience anddemonstratehow your qualifications align with the desired attributes for this cover letter must be no more than two pages.

• Upon submitting your application please be sure to check your Workday account for additional tasks to complete such as questionnaires and to request veterans preferences (if applicable).

• Veterans: We value the dedication of Veterans and Oregon National Guard service members! Take advantage of Veterans Preference by submitting the required documentation at time of application. The requirements can be found on the Veterans Resources page under Qualifying for Veterans Preference.

• Current state employees please apply through your employee Workday account.

Additional Information:

• This position is represented by SEIU.

• Current state employees please apply through your employee Workday account.

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017 an equal pay analysis will be conducted to determine the compensation of the successful analysis will be based on the relevant experience education training and certifications documented in the application materials.

• United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Securitys Form I-9 confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help

If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process please email to: or call .