Natural Resource Specialist

Natural Resource Specialist 2

Agency: Department of Agriculture

Position Type: Employee

Salary Range: $4,738 - $7,247

We’re recruiting for a Natural Resource Specialist 2, if you have a horticultural background, great customer service skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external customers, apply today.

At ODA, the Nursery and Christmas tree program ensures that all licensed nursery and Christmas tree growers statewide adhere to federal and state laws, meet quarantine requirements, and maintain imported stock compliance. This role focuses primarily on Oregon's nursery and Christmas tree growers but also impacts other horticultural and natural resource communities.

• Serve licensed nurseries and Christmas tree growers.
• Conduct inspections and surveys.
• Provide recommendations for exclusion, control, and eradication of injurious pests and weeds.
• Assist NRS3/NRS4 staff with inspection documentation review, treatment verification, and compliance record evaluation.
• Enforce compliance with horticultural law, interstate, federal, and international plant quarantine rules.
• Assist in preparation of inspection summaries, technical reports, and regulatory documentation.

• Two years of experience in a related natural resource program and a Bachelor of Science degree in plant pathology, horticulture, botany, plant sciences, or a closely related field.
• OR Three additional years of related experience.
• OR One year of experience and a master’s degree in plant pathology, horticulture, botany, plant sciences, or a closely related field.

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to accurately identify, document, and evaluate inspection findings.
• Demonstrated ability to objectively assess situations and analyze issues from multiple perspectives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships through customer-focused engagement.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Experience conducting inspections, audits, compliance reviews, or field evaluations in a regulatory or agricultural environment preferred.
• USDA Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation preferred or ability to obtain within one year.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish desirable.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with supervisors and team members.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Driver’s License Check:
Operation of a state vehicle required. Non-Oregon license must be supported with a three-year court/DMV printout.

Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, an equal pay analysis will be conducted based on experience, education, training, and certifications.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. All applicants must complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9 within three days of hire.