Wetland Ecologist

Initial Posting Date: 10/07/2026

Application Deadline:10/21/2026

Agency:

Department of State Lands Salary Range:$5,453 - $8,345

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Wetland Ecologist

Job Description:

Are you experienced in natural resources and passionate about wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist
3) October 21st, 2026! Our agency also has 2 (two) openings for Wetland and Waterway Permit and Enforcement Coordinators (REQ-207804). All are welcome to apply; current state employees are encouraged to apply to these positions as a job rotation by including written approval from their current supervisor.

This is a full-time, limited duration position expected to last through June 30, 2028, and there may be an opportunity to extend. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Salem office, with required in-office days the first week of employment and two (2) times per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for the following four weeks, then 2-3 times per month for the duration of the position.  

The successful candidate must be able to travel to site visits within Oregon on short notice and, within six months of hiring, live within commutable distance to the Salem office. Making a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands 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, you will too.

This position will represent the regulatory program of the Department of State Lands. 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 assist permit and enforcement coordinators with on-site evaluations, review notices and inventories, and provide education and outreach about Oregon wetlands and waterways.

What’s In It for You?

Utilize 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 interested parties.

Receive 1-on-1 mentoring and support from natural resource experts.

Join an organization with collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, communities, and their co-workers.

Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.

Accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 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 and mental health coverage.

Automatically enrolled into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after six (6) months of full-time service.

Possibly qualify for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $5,320 - $8,141 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 $5,690- $8,707. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

NOTE:

Starting pay is determined by a pay equity analysis, which is partly based on the number of…