The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a talented and dedicated Natural Resource Specialist 3 to help support the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program as a Livestock Water Quality Specialist.

As the Natural Resource Specialist 3 (CAFO Livestock Water Quality Specialist) you will conduct inspections of all types and sizes of CAFO operations to evaluate compliance with CAFO permit requirements so manure and wastewater do not pollute ground and surface water, provide technical assistance to new and existing CAFO operators to help them understand and comply with permit requirements, and implement enforcement actions to address violations. In addition, you will investigate complaints, determine compliance or noncompliance, and initiate corrective action, as appropriate. This position assists the program manager in developing permits, conducting public noticing, and responding to comments and other permit administrative activities.

Our Natural Resource Specialist 3 (CAFO Livestock Water Quality Specialist) is a permanent full-time position, is based in Hermiston, Oregon, and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Compliance is achieved through permitting and inspection of (CAFOs. The program regulates livestock operations to prevent and control water pollution and watershed degradation from livestock operations. Oregon’s permit program includes both state and federal water quality regulations. The number of permitted livestock operations in the state is about 500. Operating according to the conditions of the permit assures that animal wastes are not discharged to waters of the state. Achieving and maintaining a high level of compliance protects surface water from exceeding water quality standards and protects the water for beneficial uses including drinking, irrigation, recreation, wildlife habitat, etc. which are important to both agricultural producers and the public. It is critical to the sustainability of Oregon agriculture that operators of livestock facilities comply with state and federal water quality laws to ensure that water resources continue to be available. To learn more about the Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) program please check out our website here.

Working Conditions

This position requires routine inspections of livestock operations to include dairy, poultry, swine, beef feedlot, and other animal confinement operations to perform facility assessments, collect physical samples, and determine compliance with permit requirements. Employees in this position work around trucks, lift-trucks, tractors, and other potentially hazardous equipment. Occasional time is spent in unsanitary conditions, working in proximity to live animals, and lifting objects 50-60 lbs. Long distance travel in all weather conditions as well as occasional overnight travel is expected. Occasionally deals with hostile, upset, or angry individuals. Works outside in all weather conditions.

This position requires a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, and does not exceed forty (40) hours in a workweek. Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor.

A valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to provide a satisfactory alternate mode of transportation is required. This position may cover large geographical areas in which frequent and direct supervision is not available.

 What’s in it for you?

The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package with comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and deferred compensation, and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon agriculture, apply today!

This is what you need to qualify

Three years of experience in natural resources programs (animal agriculture experience preferred). At least one year of the experience must be in researching, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND a Bachelor's degree in a Natural Resource related education; OR a total of six years of related experience.

• A Master's degree in a Natural Resource related education will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in a Natural Resource related education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Desired Attributes:

• Knowledge regarding dairy and livestock operations as well as general farming practices
• Skill communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions, provide technical assistance, and explain regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to assess complex problems and develop effective, strategic solutions
• A resume and cover letter is required to be considered for this position.

How to apply:

Required: Attach a cover letter and a resume to your application. Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your cover letter. Applications without both requested documents attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.

What’s in it for you?

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the desired attributes. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

Additional Information:

• This position is represented by SEIU.
• Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, an equal pay analysis will be conducted to determine the compensation of the successful candidate.  The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.
• United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.