Initial Posting Date: 

04/16/2024

Application Deadline:

05/07/2024

Agency:

Department of State Lands

Salary Range:

$4,993 - $7,641

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Wetland Ecologist -  Limited Duration/Job Rotation

Job Description:

Are you experienced in natural resource management and passionate about safeguarding wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Wetland Ecologist by May 7th, 2024! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule and as a job rotation option for current state employees.

Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3), you will too.

The primary purpose of this position is to review wetland delineation reports for accuracy and determine state jurisdiction. The successful candidate will also make wetland determinations, conduct on-site evaluations, review notices and inventories and provide education and outreach about Oregon’s wetlands and waterways.

What’s in it for you?

• Utilize your skills and experience in natural resource management to protect Oregon’s waterways and wetlands through the state’s removal-fill laws while engaging the public and local governments.
• Join our team of collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities, and their co-workers.
• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrue 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, 3 personal business days and other medical, vision and dental benefits, including flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after 6 months of full-time service.
• Possibly qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $4,993 - $7,641 for employees new to public service. After 6 months, you will receive a 6.95% increase with 6% going to your PERS retirement. 
• Current PERS employees start at $5,340- $8,172. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

This position is statewide and will report directly to our main Salem office. This is a full-time, limited duration position that is expected to end on or before June 30th, 2025. Limited duration appointments are benefits eligible and have a designated maximum length of service. This position has the potential to become permanent. This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Current state employees are encouraged to apply to this position as a job rotation by including written approval from their current supervisor.

Working Conditions:

The successful candidate will work in a hybrid office setting; fieldwork and travel to remote locations are essential functions of the position. Work site visits may involve walking on uneven terrain or in wet muddy ground without pathways in all types of weather. Overnight stays and/or extended work hours can be expected along with exposure to inclement weather and difficult road conditions. Visits to on-site locations may be by vehicle, watercraft, or on foot.

What you will be doing:

As our Wetland Ecologist, you will have the opportunity to:

• Assist the public, consultants, and staff with waterway and wetland identification and delineation; provide guidance on conducting delineations and preparing reports according to state requirements.
• Conduct jurisdictional determinations for waters of the state and interpret results for the public, local governments, and other professionals.
• Review wetland delineation reports and recommend actions; conduct on site verification of reports if needed.
• Support applicants through the state regulatory process by explaining laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Evaluate and recommend actions for land use proposals and educate and inform local governments and the public about regulatory requirements for work in wetlands and waters of the state.
• Develop educational materials and participate in workshops and training sessions on waterways and wetlands.
• Collaborate with Aquatic Resource Coordinators in the collection and interpretation of field data for use in investigations and enforcement actions.
• Coordinate report reviews and site visits for waterways and wetlands.

For a full description of the duties and working conditions, please email Tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov to request the position description.

Minimum Qualifications- to be considered for this position, please ensure you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Three (3) years of experience in aquatic resource management. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical level or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

AND

A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, natural resources, or environmental science, or three (3) additional years of related experience.

A master’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

A doctorate degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Desired Attributes- tell us which of the following skills, experiences, and related talents you have by highlighting them in your application materials:

• Experience with local, state, federal and tribal regulatory programs and land use regulations and programs.
• Experience communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions, give assistance, and explain specific natural resource programs or requirements.
• Experience writing technical reports and permit applications.
• Experience using GIS and mapping software including GPS tools in the field.
• Knowledge of the theories and principles of wetland science and natural resource conservation, management, protection, and utilization.
• Knowledge of trends, technological changes, and developments in wetland science and aquatic resource management.
• Experience conducting field surveys for wetlands, waterways, or other natural resource inventories, and specifically wetland delineation.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team across agency programs.
• Experience in customer service, including training or experience in de-escalating conflict and the ability to be professional in all situations.

Please be sure to attach a resume and a cover letter of three (3) pages or less describing the above desired attributes you bring to this position.

The Oregon Department of State Lands is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse working environment. The Department hires staff interested in supporting environmental justice by including communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes. We encourage members of these communities to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the desired attributes. The Oregon Department of State Lands understands that an authentic focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace will in turn create a workforce aligned to meet the challenge of serving all Oregonians.

Additional Information:

• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov and please be sure to include the job requisition number.  
• For more information about applying for positions with the State of Oregon via Workday, you may visit the Oregon job opportunities website at: www.oregon.gov/jobs
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources, or call Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666.
• After you apply, you may be asked to provide additional optional information. Please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section. Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
• As an employer, DSL complies with Oregon’s pay equity law. Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience. For more information on pay equity, click here.
• For questions about the job duties or application process, please contact tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov or call 971-304-5881 to speak to our recruitment team