Air Quality Permit Coordinator; Administrative Specialist

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 aim to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities while advancing our professional goals and protecting, preserving, and enhancing the environment for current and future generations.

DEQ is an equal opportunity employer and does 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. We celebrate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulatory agency of the state responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s natural resources. The agency operates three regional divisions—Northwest, Eastern, and Western—responsible for implementing Water Quality, Air Quality, and Waste Management and Cleanup Programs. Presidents of these divisions issue permits, enforce rules, investigate complaints, respond to incidents, and provide technical assistance to industrial and public stakeholders.

Air Quality Permit Coordinator (Administrative Specialist
1) – a full‑time, AFSCME represented position available in Medford or Salem, Oregon (finalist may choose location). The role supports the Western Region Air Quality Program and provides clerical assistance to the Salem Office’s Air Quality staff.

You will coordinate administrative tasks associated with the air quality permitting process to ensure smooth and timely completion of permitting activities. You will also provide general clerical support to the Salem Office’s Air Quality staff.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and qualified family members, paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits include membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and potential loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The position is fully remote‑friendly and eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

We provide necessary hardware to conduct work from home.

Minimum qualifications:

2 years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that included records processing, generation of documents, and gathering and sorting data.

• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining an inclusive culture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to tailor communication to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to switch priorities or projects seamlessly.
• Experience with databases, including data entry, report generation, and data integrity maintenance.
• Experience with records management, both electronic and hard‑copy.
• Proficient customer service skills and professionalism in interactions via in‑person, e‑mail, and phone.
• Experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting data, guidance, laws, rules, policy, and procedures.
• Experience interpreting environmental permitting laws, rules, and policies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint).

This position will be based out of DEQ’s Medford or Salem office. Occasional travel by car is required for meetings, conferences, training, and public hearings. The position may involve extended work hours, overnight stays, and/or weekend work. A valid driver’s license is required for operators of state-owned vehicles; all drivers must complete a defensive driving safety class every two years.

Full-time benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave, 11 paid holidays, and PERS. Membership in PERS provides an additional 6.95% salary increase for qualifying employees. Eligible employees also qualify…