Stormwater Compliance Specialist; Natural Resource Specialist ; Three

Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist
3) - Three Openings

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 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, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, or physical or mental disability in the administration of our programs and activities.

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.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has three (3) full-time opportunities available for a Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist
3).

• One position is out of Northwest Region in Portland, Oregon.
• One position is out of Western Region in Eugene or Medford, Oregon (finalist may choose work location).
• One position is out of Eastern Region in Bend, Oregon. Ongoing funding for this position may be impacted by pending budget decisions from the 2027 Legislature.

Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency's mission to protect and improve Oregon's environmental quality.

What you will do!

You will review and evaluate complex stormwater permit applications, technical reports, plans, compliance strategies, and other related documents to determine applicability, feasibility, and regulatory compliance. You will make determinations about assigning permit coverage for industrial and construction activities to ensure regulatory standards are met and to reduce pollutant discharges to receiving water bodies. You will also conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and evaluate data and reports to determine compliance, while providing technical and compliance assistance and applying progressive enforcement strategies.

You will apply strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with regulated entities, the public, and fellow team members. Finally, you will work collaboratively across programs, regions, and external partners to support shared problem-solving, strengthen relationships, and ensure consistent and effective implementation of stormwater program goals.

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?

6 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field, with 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.

• Bachelor's degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.
• Master's degree in physical science, environmental science,…