Air Quality Monitoring Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 2)
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 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 preferred qualification. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet the qualifications of this position, please contact us to discuss your application.
Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water. Here is a video about DEQ: https://youtu.be/iP3K7JoLe1k
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity for an Air Quality Monitoring Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 2) in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality. The Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division’s (LEAD) mission is to provide timely, high quality data and information through monitoring, laboratory services, and data analysis. The Division serves the Agency programs and regional offices throughout Oregon and provides the scientific information necessary for the agency to achieve its mission to be an active leader to restore, enhance, and maintain the quality of Oregon’s air, water, and land. Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.
What you will do!
You will serve as a skilled and experienced natural resource specialist in the Air Quality Monitoring section. You will conduct and coordinate ambient air monitoring activities. Work will include the collection of air samples and making physical and chemical measurements using established procedures, methods, guidelines, and policies. In addition, you will frequently participate in, and may lead, a team involved in the implementation and operation of criteria air pollutant, air toxics, and meteorological monitoring and sampling networks.
What’s in it for you!
The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! We offer a competitive benefits package that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 10 paid holidays a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!
This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
What are we looking for?
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, environmental science, or closely related field, AND 2 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable).
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:
- Knowledge of air quality monitoring, quality control, and sample handling procedures, methods, and techniques.
- Experience collecting environmental samples and making physical and chemical measurements.
- Experience using data telemetry and communications equipment.
- Proficiency with computer systems, software, and coding.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; skill in writing clear and concise reports.
- Knowledge of pertinent rules, laws, regulations, and requirements necessary to analyze and evaluate air monitoring data, and to perform audits and reviews.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, many sectors of the public, and other natural resource agencies, including communicating technical information.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in office, field, and laboratory settings. Fieldwork is done in a wide variety of environments including rooftops, tower maintenance, and monitoring and sampling trailers and shelters. Work may involve compressed and/or flammable gases, high voltage equipment, and hazardous substances. Fieldwork is performed under all types of weather and can be in remote areas of the state. Statewide travel by car is required, and long, varied working hours may be involved. Travel may require driving for 4-8 hours at a time. A valid driver’s license is required.
How to Apply: (complete the application in full)
- External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
- Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance.
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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.
Veterans Information:
DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information, please go here: https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying. You will be asked to submit those at a later time.
Pay Equity:
As an employer, the State of Oregon complies with HB 2005, the Pay Equity Bill. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in the payment of wages, and we do not screen applicants on the basis of their current or past compensation. Please visit http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/equity.aspx for more information.
Work Authorization:
DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. 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.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Maddy Ouye, Human Resources Analyst, at madeline.ouye@deq.state.or.us or (503) 347-5759. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.