Stormwater Compliance Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) - Three Openings

About the role

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking three full-time Stormwater Compliance Specialists (Natural Resource Specialist 3) to support the agency’s mission of protecting and improving Oregon’s environmental quality. Positions are available in the Northwest Region (Portland), Western Region (Eugene or Medford), and Eastern Region (Bend). Finalists for the Western Region position may choose their work location. Ongoing funding may be impacted by pending budget decisions from the 2027 Legislature.

About DEQ

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary state agency responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s natural resources. The Water Quality Program’s mission is to protect and improve Oregon’s water quality by developing and implementing water quality standards, regulating sewage and stormwater systems, collecting and evaluating water quality data, providing grants and technical assistance, and issuing loans for treatment facilities. The three DEQ Regions implement Water Quality programs in partnership with DEQ Headquarters by providing technical assistance, issuing permits, conducting site visits, enforcing regulations, responding to spills and complaints, and fulfilling public record requests. The Stormwater Program collaborates with construction, industrial, and municipal permit holders to ensure water quality protection.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate complex stormwater permit applications, technical reports, plans, compliance strategies, and related documents to determine applicability, feasibility, and regulatory compliance.
• Determine permit coverage for industrial and construction activities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and reduce pollutant discharges to receiving waterbodies.
• Conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and evaluate data and reports to assess compliance, providing technical and compliance assistance as needed.
• Apply progressive enforcement strategies and maintain strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with regulated entities, the public, and team members.
• Collaborate across programs, regions, and external partners to support shared problem-solving, strengthen relationships, and ensure consistent implementation of stormwater program goals.

Requirements

• 6 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field, with at least 1 year at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

Qualifications

Education may substitute for years of experience as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 years of experience.
• Master’s degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 4 years of experience.
• Doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 5 years of experience.

Desired attributes

• Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts on marginalized and underrepresented communities; commitment to increasing knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully with a team of staff and managers.
• Experience working with construction and industrial stormwater permit applications, including evaluating Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs) and Stormwater Pollution Control Plans (SWPCPs), and providing technical assistance.
• Experience conducting environmental regulatory inspections.
• Ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor in difficult situations and de-escalate conflict when needed.
• Experience and knowledge of Clean Water Act enforcement practices.
• Experience building and fostering relationships with diverse partners, including colleagues, communities, organizations, businesses, and tribal nations; ability to collaborate with varied groups in urban and rural settings.
• Knowledge of laws, procedures, principles, and regulations governing Federal and State water quality programs; ability to learn applicable laws, regulations, and permit procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication tailored to diverse audiences; skill in writing and presenting reports with qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work may be available; logistics will be determined with the Hiring Manager and may change based on job duties and business needs. DEQ provides necessary hardware for remote work.
• Regular statewide travel by car for site visits, meetings, conferences, trainings, and workshops, including overnight stays and weekend work. Site visits may involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, pollutants, chemicals, contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants, fall or tripping hazards, uneven terrain, stream crossings, hiking, and extensive walking.
• Regular contact with regulated community representatives, special interest groups, and the public, including potentially hostile or angry individuals; requires good judgment and clear communication in stressful situations.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and complete a defensive driving safety class every two years.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee 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 to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgishment Program (PSLF).