Soil Scientist

Join the State of Oregon's team of dedicated professionals working to protect and improve the state's environmental quality. We are seeking a highly skilled Soil Scientist to join our team in the Statewide Groundwater Protection Program (SGPP).

The successful candidate will serve as the statewide agronomy expert for land application activities, providing technical assistance for water and land quality programs, as well as solid waste programs. This position will require the ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent communication and analytical skills.

• Provide technical assistance for water and land quality programs, as well as solid waste programs.
• Serve as the statewide agronomy expert for land application activities.
• Develop and implement NPDES and WPCF permits.
• Conduct site investigations and inspections, preferably at wastewater sites.
• Represent the agency in litigation, negotiation, and settlement of conflicts for crop, soil, fertilizer, and irrigation management in association with land application activities as they connect with water quality issues under DEQ's authority.

• Bachelor's degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• 4 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field.
• At least 1 year of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program.
• Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Experience in agronomy (crops, soils, fertilizer, irrigation management climate, and growing conditions).
• Comprehensive knowledge of complex NPDES, WPCF, biosolids, and recycled water regulations and guidance documents.

This position will be based out of the Bend, Pendleton, Portland, or The Dalles DEQ office, however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs.

This position requires regular travel by car for inspections, site visits, fieldwork, meetings, conferences, public hearings, and trainings, some of which may include evening work, weekend work, and/or overnight stays.