Natural Resource Specialist

Natural Resource Specialist 2

Initial Posting Date: 06/23/2026 | Final date to receive applications: 07/05/2026 | Agency:
Department of Agriculture | Salary Range: $4,738 - $7,247 | Position Type:
Employee Position

We are recruiting a Natural Resource Specialist 2 to work primarily in the Willamette Valley and report to the Salem ODA office. The role supports the nursery and Christmas tree program, ensuring that licensed growers adhere to state and federal regulations, meet quarantine requirements, and maintain compliance with plant health standards.

• Serve licensed nurseries and Christmas tree growers throughout Oregon.
• Conduct inspections, surveys, and field work up to 85% of the time.
• Inspect incoming products and check for invasive species.
• Enforce compliance with Oregon horticultural law, interstate, federal and international plant quarantine import/export rules.
• Provide recommendations for exclusion, control, and eradication of injurious pests and weeds of economic interest.
• Assist NRS3/NRS4 staff with inspection documentation review, treatment verification, and compliance record evaluation.
• Prepare inspection summaries, technical reports, and regulatory documentation for administrative or legal proceedings.

• 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 in the aforementioned fields and a master’s degree in a related program.
• Driver’s License Check:
  This position requires operation of a state vehicle for official State business.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and the ability to evaluate inspection findings and compliance records.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with industry members, stakeholders, and regulatory partners.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
• Experience conducting inspections, audits, compliance reviews, or field evaluations in a regulatory or natural resource environment is preferred.
• Possession of a USDA Authorized Certification Official (ACO) accreditation is preferred, or the ability to obtain the accreditation within one year of hire.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is desirable.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with supervisors and team members to meet program priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and inspections in a dynamic environment.

Applicants must have a valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. If the license is from outside Oregon, a three‑year court/DMV printout is required.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department operates under the Pay Equity Law and will conduct an equal pay analysis for this position within three days of hire. The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship, and all successful candidates must complete the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Form I‑9 within three days of hire.

State of Oregon offers a competitive health and benefits package, including medical, vision, dental, paid holidays, personal business leave, vacation, sick leave, basic life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. Specific information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.