Administrative Specialist ; Water Quality Program Assistant

Overview

Position Title
Administrative Specialist 1 (Water Quality Program Assistant)

Initial Posting Date
06/03/2026
Final date to receive applications
06/14/2026
Agency
Department of Agriculture
Salary Range
$3,798 - $5,193
Position Type
Employee
Location
Salem, Oregon

Are you looking to join a team of passionate professionals? The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Water Quality Program is recruiting for one Administrative Specialist 1 position. The role focuses on data entry, customer service, attention to detail, and multitasking to support the program.

• Serve as the first point of contact for individuals, agricultural operators, and stakeholders seeking information related to water quality rules, program requirements, and compliance assistance.
• Provide administrative support ensuring inquiries are addressed promptly and accurately.
• Provide support for the Water Quality Program by responding to phone calls and emails, supplying non-technical information, and routing inquiries to appropriate staff per program guidelines.
• Prepare and process correspondence and compliance-related documents, format materials, assemble packets, and prepare materials for distribution per established procedures.
• Coordinate CAFO Advisory Committee meetings by identifying attendees, drafting agendas, attending to coordinate material preparation, taking notes, and arranging logistics (space, supplies, mailings).
• Assist with other office tasks such as maintaining records, scheduling meetings, and supporting administrative functions to ensure smooth program operation.

The Administrative Specialist 1 (Water Quality Program Assistant) is a full-time permanent position. There is no option for hybrid work during the trial service period. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. This position is located in Salem, Oregon.

Minimum qualifications:

• Two years of secretarial or basic administrative support experience that includes records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data; OR
• An associate degree in general office occupations and one year of experience with records processing, generating documents, and gathering and sorting data; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, especially when handling sensitive regulatory documentation, operator records, compliance tracking, and correspondence used for official or legal purposes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting, proofreading, and formatting notices, letters, and standard regulatory communications to regulated entities and the public.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat) and comfort working in shared systems, trackers, and database environments used for program administration.
• Ability to learn and adapt to multiple established workflows, including procedural changes, system updates, databases, and equipment.
• Ability to track and route work assignments using established systems or shared inboxes, ensuring tasks are completed, followed up on, and properly documented within defined procedures.

• Recruitment Closes:
  June 14, 2026
• 1st Round Interview may start:
  June 22, 2026
• 2nd Round if needed may start: TBD
• These dates are approximate and may change.

Required: A cover letter and resume are required and important parts of the application process. All materials are reviewed by Human Resources, the Hiring Manager, and panel members. In your cover letter, please describe your experience managing multiple tasks with competing deadlines in an administrative or operational environment, including how you prioritized work, the systems or tools you used to track assignments, and how you ensured accuracy and timely completion.

Your cover letter must be no more than two pages.

• Upon submitting your application, check your Workday account for additional tasks such as questionnaires and veteran’s preferences (if applicable).
• Veterans:
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