Regional Solutions Liaison (Operations and Policy Analyst 4)
Posted Date: 8/07/2026
About the role
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has a full-time opportunity for a Regional Solutions Liaison (Operations and Policy Analyst 4). This position will be located in Coos Bay or Medford, Oregon (finalist may choose work location). The Regional Solutions Center (RSC) Program provides a one-stop shop for communities throughout the state, supporting community and economic development to attract and expand business and industry, create jobs, and improve the economy. The RSC emphasizes multi-agency coordination and collaboration on projects of local and statewide significance.
This position sits within the Western Region with a primary focus on Southern Oregon. You will serve as a Western Region Liaison to the Southern-Western Regional Solutions Center, partnering with businesses, communities, and local, state, and federal government partners to identify barriers, propose solutions, ensure consistent support for resolving environmental issues, improve regulatory coordination, and advance DEQ’s mission across the Western Region.
Core member agencies of the RSC include DEQ, Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD)/Business Oregon, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). Other state agencies may also participate as needed.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a liaison to the Southern-Western Regional Solutions Center, coordinating with businesses, communities, and government partners.
- Identify barriers and propose solutions to environmental and regulatory challenges.
- Ensure consistent support for resolving environmental issues and improving regulatory coordination.
- Advance DEQ’s mission across the Western Region through collaboration and problem-solving.
- Engage in multi-agency coordination to streamline government processes and remove barriers to business retention and expansion.
- Interpret and implement environmental programs, federal, state, and local regulations, and communicate complex technical information to non-expert audiences.
- Conduct statewide travel for site visits, meetings, conferences, trainings, and workshops (travel may constitute at least 25% of the work week).
Requirements
- 8 years of experience performing professional-level evaluative, analytical, and planning work.
- Substitutions:
- Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, environmental science, behavioral or social sciences, political science, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 years of experience.
- Master’s degree in the same fields may substitute for 4 years of experience.
- Doctorate degree in the same fields may substitute for 5 years of experience.
- Valid driver’s license or alternate method of transportation (compliance with ORS 807.020 (1) required).
- Completion of a defensive driving safety class every two years if driving state-owned vehicles.
Desired Attributes
- Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and historical impacts on marginalized and underrepresented communities.
- Commitment to ongoing development in unconscious bias, anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with skills in cultural competency.
- Experience in communication and outreach to underrepresented communities, and ability to build partnerships across diverse groups.
- Experience resolving inter-agency, multi-jurisdictional, and local disagreements concerning community development and environmental issues.
- Skill in conflict resolution, negotiation, collaboration, and engagement, with strong interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to advise executives and decision-makers, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly motivated, innovative, and excellent problem-solving skills for complex issues.
- Experience within environmental science, regulatory processes, community engagement, or project coordination, with familiarity in water quality topics.
- Experience within political or policy-driven environments in Oregon.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and qualified family members.
- Paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
- Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
- Opportunity for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Working Conditions
- Position based in Coos Bay or Medford, with potential eligibility for hybrid work (logistics to be determined with the hiring manager).
- DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for remote work.
- Workspace at DEQ sites may be shared with other employees.
- Regular statewide travel required, including extended work hours, overnight stays, and weekend work.
- Exposure to adverse weather conditions, pollutants, chemicals, contaminated soil/water, fumes, airborne contaminants, and fall or tripping hazards during site visits.