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Onsite Wastewater Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4-EHS)

Salary
$60,408.00 – $88,224.00 Annually
Location
Portland, OR
Job Type
Permanent
Department
Environmental Quality – Western Region
Job Number
DEQ18-0032
Closing
3/11/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
An image without descriptionThe Oregon Department of Environmental Quality currently has a Full-Time opportunity for an Onsite Wastewater Specialist to join an innovative team, and work to advance our agency mission to protect and improve Oregon’s water quality. This position is located at our Portland, OR Lloyd Building office.

What you will do!
The successful candidate will serve as the regional onsite program expert in the six Northwest Region Counties. The selected candidate will be the primary variance officer for Northwest Oregon and will be responsible for providing technical assistance and training to other staff and county agents, consultants, designers and Environmental Health Specialists. The successful candidate will also be responsible for evaluating and permitting various complex and innovative onsite wastewater treatment systems and determining whether they will safeguard public health and the environment. Violations of Oregon laws, rules and permit requirements may be referred to DEQ’s office of compliance and enforcement where the successful candidate will work with an environmental law specialist and the responsible party to gain compliance.The successful candidate will assist in performing evaluations of contract counties and other DEQ direct service offices to ensure compliance with contracts and rules, and identify program implementation problems and recommend changes to particular programs.

What’s in it for you?
The opportunity to join a dynamic team of mission focused individuals tasked with providing high quality environmental data needed for understanding and protecting Oregon’s water quality. Put your creative problem-solving and analytical skills to great use helping to keep Oregon green.  We offer full medical, dental and vision health benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 10 paid holidays a year. Public service loan forgiveness program: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).  Learn more to see whether you qualify at PSLF Program.  If you are passionate about Oregon’s environment and have experience testing and regulating water quality, apply today!This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Working Conditions
Field work which requires climbing, bending, and use of site evaluation and inspection equipment in all types of weather at sites where wastes may be present. Occasional use of personal safety equipment. Occasional public hearings and public presentations. Occasional overnight travel. Office work required in a well-equipped office.  Frequent driving required in a state-provided vehicle.

Qualifications, Required & Requested Skills
Minimum Qualifications:
To be considered eligible for this position you must meet the minimum qualifications below:
  • Four (4) years of experience in a Natural Resource or Environmental Program

At least one year of your natural resource or environmental experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource or environmental program such as: researching and analyzing data; conducting investigations; applying pertinent laws and regulations; or coordinating and monitoring project activities;

AND                      

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Biology, Physiology or a closely related field                
A Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Biology, Physiology or a closely related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
A Doctorate degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Biology, Physiology or a closely related field will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
Required Skills
  • Environmental Health Specialist or Wastewater Specialist registration is required. Successful candidate must already possess or have the ability to obtain within 90 days of employment
Desired Attributes/Requested Skills: Preference may be given to individuals who have the following attributes:

  • Demonstrated extensive knowledge and skill in classification, characteristics and behavior of soils and transport of water and wastewater through soils
  • Demonstrated extensive knowledge of onsite wastewater treatment system technology and requirements for permitting their installation
  • Oregon-specific experience in onsite wastewater treatment methods
Additional Information

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please follow these steps:

  1. Complete the application. We will not accept a resume or position description in place of a completed application. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we do not review any attachments that we do not ask for.
  2. The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all of the minimum and desired attributes listed above. If it does not, we are required to disqualify it. Please be sure to attach your resume demonstrating your experience and how it qualifies you for the position you’re applying for.
  3. Complete the supplemental questions. Answers to the supplemental questions must be substantiated with the experience you listed in the work experience section of the application. (Please note that your responses may also be evaluated for grammar, spelling and punctuation.)
  4. To receive credit for higher education coursework, transcripts (official or unofficial) must be submitted at the time of application. Note: To protect your confidential information, please redact (black out) your social security number on all transcripts before attaching to your application.

VETERANS INFORMATION
If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans’ preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. To receive veterans’ preference points you MUST attach the following required documentation to your electronic application.

  •  A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.
  • A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veterans’ disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.

For more information on veterans’ preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org, and select veterans’ preference.

Work Authorization
The Oregon 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.

Driver License
This position requires you to possess and maintain a current valid license to drive issued by the state of residence OR provide an acceptable, alternate form of transportation.

NEED HELP?
If you need assistance to participate in the application process, you are encouraged to email Jamaal Gulledge at jamaal.gulledge@state.or.us or 503-229-5107. TTY users please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900. If you have application login problems, get an error message during the application process, or are experiencing other technical (computer related) difficulties, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627. You can also e-mail NEOGOV for support at support@governmentjobs.com.

CONSIDER JOINING US!
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is a regulatory agency whose job is to protect the quality of Oregon’s environment.

DEQ strives to create inclusive environments that welcome and value the diversity of the people we serve. DEQ fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to create workplace environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, physical stature, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation and any other factor applicable by state or federal law.

Follow recruitments and other DEQ news and information at:
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Core benefits

Medical, vision and dental insurance

  • Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for the employee and qualified family members
  • $5,000 in employee basic life insurance

Retirement benefits

  • Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
  • Employer paid defined benefit and defined contribution programs
**Effective November 1, 2016, SEIU represented employees who are Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) participating members will have their base salary increased by 6.95%. Upon becoming a PERS participating member, SEIU employees pay the employee 6% contribution to PERS.

Paid leaves and other benefits

  • Sick leave earned at the rate of 8 hours per a month with no maximum accumulation
  • Vacation leave earned at a minimum rate of 8 hours per month with accrual rate increases at 5-year increments
  • 24 hours personal leave earned each fiscal year
  • Ten paid holidays a year

The state also provides access to an innovative Employee Assistance Program that offers work-life counseling, along with homeowner, legal and family resources.

Optional benefits

  • Term life (employee, spouse or domestic partner, and dependents
  • Long-term and short-term disability
  • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
  • Long-term care (self and eligible family members)
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Option to enroll in the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, a deferred compensation program offering a wide variety of investment options.

The following information describes typical benefits available for employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position or branch of government or be prorated for other than full time work.

01
Which of the following best describes your highest related level of education?

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Some College Coursework, No Degree Received
  • Associate’s Degree
  • Associate’s Degree and additional coursework
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bachelor’s Degree and additional coursework
  • Master’s Degree
  • Master’s Degree and additional coursework
  • Doctorate Degree
  • Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
  • None of the Above
02
Which of the following best describes the focus of your degree?

  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Resource Science
  • Physiology
  • Biology
  • Soil Science
  • Other Related Degree
  • I do not have a degree
03
If you selected “Some College Coursework, No Degree Received” or “degree and additional coursework” in question 1, how many upper division (300 level or higher) credit hours have you completed? Select the Quarter/Semester hours that best describe your completed coursework. If you did not, select N/A.

  • N/A
  • 4 Quarter hours/3 Semester hours
  • 8 Quarter hours/5 Semester hours
  • 12 Quarter hours/8 Semester hours
  • 16 Quarter hours/11 Semester hours
  • 20 Quarter hours/13 Semester hours
  • 24 Quarter hours/16 Semester hours
  • 28 Quarter hours/19 Semester hours
  • 30 Quarter hours/20 Semester hours
  • 32 Quarter hours/21 Semester hours
  • 36 Quarter hours/24 Semester hours
  • 40 Quarter hours/27 Semester hours
  • 44 Quarter hours/29 Semester hours
  • 45-68 Quarter hours /30-45 Semester hours
  • 69-95 Quarter hours /46-63 Semester hours
  • 96-143 Quarter hours /64-95 Semester hours
  • 144-191 Quarter hours /96-127 Semester hours
  • 192-239 Quarter hours /128-159 Semester hours
  • 240 or more Quarter hours /160 or more Semester hours
04
If you selected “Some College Coursework, No Degree Received” or “degree and additional coursework” in question 1, which of the following best describes the focus of your coursework?

  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Resource Science
  • Physiology
  • Biology
  • Soil Science
  • Other Related Coursework
  • None of the Above
05
If you selected “other related degree” in question 2, or “other related coursework” in question 4, please identify the focus of your degree or coursework. If you did not, please enter N/A.
06
Which of the following best describes your experience working in a Natural Resource or Environmental Program?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 or more years
  • No experience
07
Related to your answer on question 6, which of the following best describes your level of experience in technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource or environmental program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities?

  • Less than 6 months
  • 6 to 11 months
  • 12 to 17 months
  • 18 to 23 months
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 or more years
  • None of the above
08
Can you demonstrate that you are currently registered or qualified to become fully registered in one of the following areas within thirty (90) days of employment? * An Environmental Health Specialist * A Waste Water Specialist

  • Yes, I can
  • No, I can’t
09
In relation to the answer you provided above, which of the specific registrations do you possess, or can demonstrate ability to obtain? (check all that apply)

  • I am currently registered as an Environmental Health Specialist
  • I can obtain: Environmental Health Specialist (within 90 days)
  • I am currently registered as a Waste Water Specialist
  • I can obtain: Waste Water Specialist (within 90 days)
  • None of the above
10
Which of the following best describes your level of experience regulating onsite wastewater treatment systems ?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 or more years
  • No experience
11
With regard to Question 10, please describe where you gained this experience with regulation of onsite wastewater treatment systems, your level of responsibility and the regularity with which you performed these tasks. If you do not have this type of experience, please enter N/A.
12
Which of the following best describes your level of experience evaluating soil type and characteristics?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years or more
  • No experience
13
Which of the following best describes your level of experience working with evaluations, inspections or permitting of onsite septic systems?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years or more
  • No experience
14
Which of the following best describes your level of experience reviewing design plans for proposed new construction, alterations or repairs of wastewater treatment systems?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years or more
  • No experience
15
With regard to Question 14, please describe where you gained this experience, your level of responsibility and the regularity with which you performed these tasks. If you do not have this type of experience, please enter N/A.
16
Which of the following best describes your level of experience performing compliance inspections on permitted activities?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years or more
  • No experience
17
Which of the following best describes your level of investigating complaints of alleged environmental violations?

  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years or more
  • No experience
18
With regard to Question 17, please describe where you gained this experience, your level of responsibility and the regularity with which you performed these tasks. If you do not have this type of experience, please enter N/A.
19
How would you describe your methodology for providing technical assistance to other regulators versus the regulated community?
20
What leadership skills will you bring to this position?
21
Are you a current employee with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)? Note: This includes regular status, trial service and limited duration employees. Temporary, volunteer and contract employees are not included.

  • Yes, I am a current DEQ employee
  • No, I am not a current DEQ employee
22
Transcripts: If you are using education (a degree or coursework) to qualify for this position, transcripts must be submitted for all required or related courses. Transcripts can be official or unofficial at time of application and must include (1) the name of the institution, (2) the degree received, (3) required courses completed with a passing grade, and (4) your name. If you are using your education to meet the minimum qualifications and do not attach your transcripts your application may be removed from consideration.

Veteran’s Preference Points: If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference points, you must attach the necessary documentation to receive credit. If you do not attach the necessary documentation, points may not be provided.

Work Experience: Your application must verify your responses to the above questions in order to be considered. If your answers are not reflected in the work experience section, your application may be removed from consideration.

Have you demonstrated your work history in your answers and attached all necessary documents?

  • Yes, I have demonstrated my work history in my answers and attached all necessary documents.

Required Question

Agency
State of Oregon
Address
NOTE: Locations vary by Agency/Department

Salem, Oregon, 97301.

Phone
Agency/Department Contact Information
Website
http://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/recruite