Wetland Ecologist

Initial Posting Date: 02/26/2026

Final date to receive applications: 03/12/2026

Agency: Department of State Lands

Salary Range: $5,453 - $8,345

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Wetland Ecologist

Are you experienced in aquatic resource management and passionate about safeguarding wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist
3) by March 12th, 2026! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Bend office, with training in Salem the first three to five days, in‑office days in Bend two times a week for the first six weeks and then at least two‑three times per month for the duration of the position. The successful candidate must be able to travel for onsite visits within Oregon on short notice and, within six months of hiring, live within commutable distance to the Bend office.

Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s wetland and waterways 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 Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist
3), you will too.

The Wetland Ecologist is the technical expert for wetland delineation review and is responsible for supporting agency personnel in determination of wetland boundaries and state jurisdiction. The Wetland Ecologist is responsible for communicating information to public and local agencies. The successful candidate will make wetland jurisdictional determinations and assist Aquatic Resource Coordinators with on‑site evaluations, review notices and inventories, and provide education and outreach about Oregon wetlands and waterways.

• 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 $5,453 - $8,345 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 $5,832 - $8,925
  . Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more information.
• Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience. Visit the Pay Equity page for more details.
• NOTE: Starting pay is determined by a pay equity analysis, which is partly based on the number of years of relevant experience.

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

The successful candidate will work in a hybrid office setting with fieldwork and travel to remote locations, an essential component of the position. Work site visits may involve walking on uneven terrain or in 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.

• Explain laws, rules, regulations,…