Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is seeking to hire a well-qualified Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Rangeland Health Specialist) to help support The Noxious Weed Control Program. If you have experience with multi-jurisdictional resource management, and are knowledgeable about western rangelands, please apply today!

What you’ll be doing

As the Rangeland Health Specialist, you will be responsible for planning, implementation and coordination of noxious weed management activities for noxious weed species, with an emphasis on invasive annual grasses. In this role you will:

• Collaborate with partners and cooperators to
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for collaborative projects
• Act as the primary point of contact for the agency regarding invasive annual grass and rangeland health
• Serve as a regional and statewide resource/liaison for industry stakeholders, state and federal agency partners and the public
• Working conditions include but are not limited to: Driving great distances in all weather conditions and some overnight travels are sometimes required of this position. Employees regularly apply chemical herbicide products. In addition, employee will be . Employees may have to hike into remote areas to implement weed control activities.

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This position will be based out of Eastern or Central Oregon and work remotely, in Malheur, Harney, Lake, Crook, Baker, Union, Wallowa, Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco, Grant, Gilliam, Umatilla, Morrow, Wheeler, Sherman, or Klamath counties.

Please note that this is a limited duration position. Funding for this position is provided by a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) through 2029. Each biennium, (23-25, 25-27 etc.) funding is provided to the agency for that time period. As such, ODA has been provided funding for this biennium through 6/30/2025 and, we anticipate receiving the funding for the 25-27 biennium effective 7/1/25-6/30/27, and so on. The duration may be extended based on agency need and budget approval.

What we’re looking for

Required Skills

• Five years of experience in natural resources. At least two years of the experience must be in project management, research, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating & monitoring project activities; AND A Bachelor’s degree in an Agriculture, Biology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Rangeland Science or related area.
• OR A total of eight years of related experience in natural resources. At least two years of the experience must be in project management, research, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating & monitoring project activities.
• Note: A Master’s degree in an Agriculture or related education will substitute for up to one year of the required experience. A Doctorate degree in an Agriculture or related education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
• Within 30 days of hire, this position is required to have and maintain a regulatory weed herbicide applicator license.
• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

Requested Skills (Desired Attributes):

• Demonstrable skills and experience with landscape scale management and restoration projects, particularly in rangeland or prairie ecosystems
• Deep working knowledge of western rangelands; including historical land-use, wildfire ecology, and their role in carbon sequestration
• Experience with management of invasive annual grasses at the landscape scale
• Experience with multi-jurisdictional resource management; previous experience coordinating multi-jurisdictional management activities
• Experience with technical writing

Preferred Skills:

• Must have knowledge and experience or the ability to gain knowledge and experience through training in driving 4×4 off road vehicle in rugged terrain areas.
• Experience collecting, analyzing and manipulating, spatial data with GIS
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management principles

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

• Recruitment Closes: September 29, 2024
• 1st Round October 8 -11, 2024
• 2nd Round if needed: October 14 – 18, 2024
• Start date November 4, 2024

*These dates are approximate and may change. *

How to apply:

Required: Attach a cover letter and a resume to your application. In your cover letter and resume, please demonstrate/explain how you meet the required and requested skills. Applications without both requested documents attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.

• Tips: Ensure your application shows your relevant work experience and/or related education; this may be in the form of a filled-out application and/or through an attached resume. Ensure your cover letter includes specific examples of how your background and experience relate to this position.
• Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your Workday account for additional tasks to complete such as questionnaires and to request veteran’s preferences (if applicable).

What’s in it for you

The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the desired attributes. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.

Additional Information:

• This position is represented by SEIU.
• Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, an equal pay analysis will be conducted to determine the compensation of the successful candidate.  The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.
• United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.