Jobs

NPDES Permit Writer (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Posted on: April 6, 2021 Apply Now
Expires April 21, 2021

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability, and is committed to workplace diversity.

Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water. Here is a video about DEQ: https://youtu.be/iP3K7JoLe1k

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a NPDES Permit Writer (Natural Resource Specialist 3) in DEQ’s Western Region. This position will be in Eugene or Salem, Oregon (candidate may choose).

Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality. There are three DEQ regions (Northwest, Western, and Eastern); this position is in Western Region. The regions provide the following services: compliance inspection of regulated entities; enforcement of permit requirements and administrative rules; issuance of air, water, and solid waste permits; investigation of complaints; issuance of subsurface permits in counties; response to spills or other incidents with environmental impacts; direct contact and liaison with other governmental entities, industries, and the public; and technical assistance to regulated entities and the public. Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.

What you will do!

You will develop National Pollutant Discharge Elimination permits for major or minor sources that originate in any part of Oregon. In addition, you will solve difficult NPDES permit-related problems, such as developing strategies for compliance with water quality standards or discharges to water bodies that are not meeting water quality standards.

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 that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 10 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon’s environment, apply today!

This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, environmental science, or closely related field, AND three (3) years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable). At least one (1) year of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:

  • Experience developing and implementing NPDES permits.
  • Ability to use computer modeling and statistical tools to analyze study results.
  • Ability to learn and follow laws, regulations, and permit procedures applicable to the type of wastewater being discharged.
  • Excellent project management skills: ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate complex permitting projects.
  • Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clear and concise reports.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and professionally through email and in-person with DEQ staff, permittees (treatment plant operators, city managers, elected officials, etc.), consultants, the public, and other natural resources agencies, including communicating technical information.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily in an office setting. Occasional in-state travel (some overnight) required to attend public hearings, conferences, seminars, and trainings, as well as to visit DEQ regional offices. Occasional inspections and technical assistance to regulated facilities may include substantial walking, as well as climbing of stairs to gain access to multi-level facilities. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

How to Apply: (complete the application in full)

  • External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
  • Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance.

Helpful Tips:

  • Be sure to attach a resume and cover letter.
  • Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application, resume, and cover letter.
  • Workday will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity.
  • This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.
  • Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
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  • Click here for Resources and a Job Support Page.

Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.

Veterans Information:

DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information, please go here: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying. You will be asked to submit those at a later time.

Pay Equity:

As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information.

Work Authorization:

DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. 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.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Maddy Ouye, Human Resources Analyst, at madeline.ouye@deq.state.or.us or (503) 347-5759. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Apply Now