Onsite Resource Specialist – Environmental Health Specialist, Natural Resource Specialist

• Serve as an Onsite Wastewater Management Program technical expert
• Evaluate, inspect, and permit onsite septic systems in Jackson, Josephine, and Curry Counties
• Process onsite applications submitted to the Medford office
• Answer technical questions from the public about program requirements and septic system care and maintenance
• Investigate complaints regarding potential septic system violations
• Support enforcement actions when appropriate
• Attend meetings and present information to local interested parties
• Review wastewater treatment system design plans
• Regulate sewage treatment systems and issue permits and authorizations
• Travel statewide for meetings, trainings, public hearings, conferences, workshops, seminars, and field visits
• Conduct field visits to wastewater treatment facilities, land application sites, and spill or complaint sites

• 6 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field
• At least 1 year of technical or professional-level experience in a natural resource program
• Registration by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency as an Environmental Health Specialist or Waste Water Specialist; alternatively, trainee registration for the Underfill option
• 10 hours of soil science courses in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology, Physical Geology, and Geomorphology for the Environmental Health Specialist position
• Bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3, 4, or 5 years of required experience, respectively
• Underfill candidates must obtain Environmental Health Specialist or Waste Water Specialist registration and complete 10 hours of soil science courses within 3 years of employment
• Knowledge and skill in soil classification, characteristics, behavior, and water/wastewater transport through soils
• Knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment system technology and permitting requirements
• Experience inspecting and evaluating onsite septic systems
• Experience investigating environmental complaints
• Experience reviewing wastewater treatment system design plans
• Experience regulating sewage treatment systems and issuing permits and authorizations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid driver's license
• Defensive driving safety class completion every two years
• Ability to travel frequently by car statewide
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; DEQ does not offer visa sponsorship

Demonstrates expertise in onsite wastewater management, including evaluation, inspection, and permitting of septic systems. Possesses strong knowledge of soil science, wastewater treatment technologies, and regulatory compliance.

• Environmental Health Specialist Registration
• Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Technology
• Soil Classification and Characteristics
• Septic System Inspection and Evaluation
• Permit Issuance and Regulatory Compliance

• Wastewater Treatment System Design Review
• Environmental Complaint Investigation
• Septic System Permitting
• Soil Science Knowledge
• Natural Resource Management

• Excellent Verbal Communication
• Excellent Written Communication

• Oregon Health Licensing Agency Registration
• Defensive Driving Safety Class Completion

• Natural Resource Field
• Environmental Science
• Soil Morphology
• Physical Geology
• Geomorphology

• Wastewater Treatment Facilities
• Field Visit Equipment