Soil Scientist

We are seeking a highly skilled Soil Scientist to join our team at the State of Oregon. As a Soil Scientist, you will play a critical role in protecting and improving Oregon's environmental quality.

The Soil Scientist 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. You will be the soil science subject matter expert for both National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) permitting staff, and others, such as landfill and on-site septic as needed.

• Provide technical assistance for water and land quality programs, as well as solid waste programs.
• Serve as the soil science subject matter expert for both NPDES and WPCF permitting staff.
• Conduct site investigations and inspections, preferably at wastewater sites.
• Develop and implement NPDES and WPCF permits.
• 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 such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

• 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) with the ability to identify soil conditions and crop suitability.
• Comprehensive knowledge of complex NPDES, WPCF, biosolids, and recycled water regulations and guidance documents.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, and time management skills.

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.