Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Pesticide Investigator)

Initial Posting Date: 09/24/2024 Application Deadline: 10/13/2024 Agency: Department of Agriculture Salary Range: $4,998 - $7,647 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Pesticide Investigator) Job Description: Do you have experience in natural resource investigations? Are you passionate about ensuring that Oregon has healthy ecosystems and a vibrant agricultural economy? If so, come join our team as a Pesticide Investigator (Natural Resource Specialist 3) where you’ll ensure that pesticide applicators have access to information and training on how to safely and effectively use crop protectant materials while best protecting themselves, workers, pollinators, and the environment. Oregon Department of Agriculture – Who we are: At the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) , employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. 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. Learn more about what we do here . What you’ll be doing: We are looking to fill a Pesticide Investigator (Natural Resource Specialist 3) position. This Pesticide Investigator (Natural Resource Specialist 3) position works within ODA’s Natural Resources Program Area (NRPA); location for this position will be Ontario/ Malheur, Oregon. NRPA aims to conserve, protect, and develop natural resources on public and private lands to ensure that agriculture will continue to be productive and economically viable in Oregon. In this role you will: Protect Oregon’s environment and public health by ensuring the proper and legal sale, use, and distribution of pesticide products, and training of pesticide applicators. Conduct inspections and investigations to determine compliance, including gathering field samples, conducting interviews, and reviewing records. Develop and implement enforcement strategies to address violations. Investigate complaints on complex sources or issues, determine compliance or noncompliance, and initiate corrective action, as appropriate. Write investigative reports describing findings, conclusions, and potential effects, and provide recommended follow-up. Provide technical expertise to other department staff, the regulated community, and the public regarding pesticide compliance. Working Conditions: Some work may need to be conducted during evening hours and on weekends. Work locations away from the office will vary, including a variety of business and public locations. Driving great distances in all weather conditions and some overnight travel is required of this position. Employees occasionally handle concentrated and diluted pesticide products. Click here to view a full description of this position. What are we looking for? To Qualify for the Position, You Need: 3 years of experience in natural resources (preferably in pesticides but not required). At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing work in a natural resource program area such as researching, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities and a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources or a related field of study. Or a total of six years of related experience. Note: A Master's degree in a Natural Resource related field will substitute for up to 1 year of the required experience; a Doctorate degree in a Natural Resource related field will substitute for up to 2 years of the required experience. A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. Attach your resume and cover letter to your application. Requested Skills: You do not need to have all these skills to be eligible for this position. Let us know which of these skills you do have in your application. Ability to work both independently, but also as part of a collaborative team Ability to adapt to changing priorities Proven organizational skill and ability to work through multiple priorities with varying deadlines Excellent verbal and written (especially technical writing) communication skills Ability to speak a second language beyond English is a plus (Spanish preferred) Projected Recruitment Timeline Recruitment Closes: October 13, 2024 1st Round October 21-25, 2024 2nd Round if needed: October 28-31, 2024 *These dates are approximate and may change. * Approximate start date November 4, 2024 ** 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 requested skills. 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. How to apply: Required: Attach a cover letter and a resume to your application. Show us how you meet the qualifications and requested skills in your application. Applications without both requested documents attached will not move forward in the recruitment process. Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your account for pending questions and tasks such as declaring Veterans' Points and attaching supporting. Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account. 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. Questions/Need Help? If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.