ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Community Development Department facilitates orderly growth and development in the Deschutes County community through coordinated programs of Building Safety, Code Compliance, Coordinated Services, Onsite Wastewater, Planning and education and service to the public

ABOUT THE COUNTY:

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.  

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:

This position is an entry-level or journey-level position in the Onsite Wastewater Specialist job series. The position works under basic supervision to verify compliance with environmental quality regulations, inspects properties, completes technical reports, and enforces compliance to State, County and Federal regulations. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently inspects and monitors properties, investigates violations of environmental regulations to protect the health and safety of County residents.
• Performs technical functions to manage and verify compliance with environmental quality regulations and standards.
• Enforces compliance to state, County, and federal regulations, policies, procedures, and safety standards.

What You Will Bring:

Knowledge of or experience with:

• County policies and procedures.
• Applicable state and federal rules, codes, and regulations.
• Methods, procedures, and techniques for evaluating technical compliance, including Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying health and safety standards, state and federal regulations, County standards, policies and procedures.
• Independently investigating complaints, inspecting environmental hazards, and researching technical environmental quality issues.
• Compiling, reviewing, and analyzing technical data and developing technical reports.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position’s scope and function.

Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.

Review the full job description by clicking HERE.

Compensation

$5,055.17 to $6,774.403 per month for a 172.67 hour work month, Onsite Wastewater Specialist I.

$5,851.99 to $7,842.22 per month for a 172.67 hour work month, Onsite Wastewater Specialist II.

Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This (union represented) position is available immediately.

BENEFITS:

Our robust health plan is offered at a minimal cost of $95 per month for employee only or $116 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE (Download PDF reader) for full benefit details.

Minimum Qualifications

Onsite Wastewater Specialist I: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related field, including coursework in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology and Physical Geology or Geomorphology; 
• AND one (1) year of experience in business computers and customer service; 
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.

Onsite Wastewater Specialist II:

• Bachelor’s degree in Soil Science, Environmental Science, or related field, including coursework in Introductory Soil Science, Soil Morphology and Physical Geology or Geomorphology; 
• AND two (2) years of experience in environmental health programs; 
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the essential functions of the job.

Necessary Special Requirements

Driving is a requirement for this position. Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire date. The employment offer will be contingent upon presentation of an acceptable and verifiable driver’s license, pre-employment screening for criminal history, driving history, and controlled substances (NOTE: Positive test results for marijuana use may result in rescission of a contingent offer of employment). This screening must be completed with satisfactory findings in order for a formal offer of employment to be extended.

Must have dependable transportation and be able and willing to drive throughout Deschutes County in sometimes adverse weather conditions.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Onsite Wastewater Specialist I

• Registration with the Oregon Environmental Health Registration Board as an Environmental Health Specialist Trainee (EHS) or Wastewater Specialist Trainee (WWS).
• Registration as an EHS or WWS is required within 2 years of hire.

Onsite Wastewater Specialist II

• Registration with the Oregon Environmental Health Registration Board as an Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) or Wastewater Specialist (WWS) is required.
• According to the needs of the County, additional specific technical certifications may be required.

Deschutes County is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build an inclusive environment that encourages, supports, and represents the diverse voices and needs of our communities. All are encouraged to apply – we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences.