Mitigation Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

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Are you experienced in natural resources and passionate about wetlands and waterways? Apply to be one of our next Mitigation Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) by November 19, 2026! This is a full-time, permanent position eligible for a hybrid remote schedule.

The successful candidates must be able to travel to site visits within Oregon on short notice and, within six months of hiring, live within a reasonable commuting distance to the Salem office. 

The successful candidates will primarily work in an office environment with occasional field work along waterways or on rough terrain to complete assigned work. Travel is an essential function of the position and may require overnight stays or site visits performed on the same day as the request.  Work hours during fieldwork can be irregular and sometimes long. Visits to on-site locations may be by vehicle, watercraft or on foot. Site visits sometimes involve walking over uneven terrain or in wet, muddy ground without pathways in all types of weather. Work can at times be in remote locations. DSL provides agency-maintained vehicles, field gear reimbursement, and travel expenses for authorized work-related travel and fieldwork.

To be considered for these positions, please ensure you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Four (4) years of experience in aquatic natural resources. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical level or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, natural resources, or environmental science, or

three (3) additional years of related experience.

NOTE: A master’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

A doctorate degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Tell us which of the following skills, experiences and related talents you have by highlighting them in your application materials:

• Mitigation Policy and Implementation Experience. Supporting or leading compensatory mitigation credit generation, or prioritizing habitat restoration projects, through a selection strategy; leading projects through an approval process, and coordinating with Tribes, federal, state and local partners.

• Ecosytem Dynamics. In-depth knowledge of ecosystem dynamics and services including experience in environmental science, fisheries, hydrology, geomorphology, or soil science. 

• Technical & Professional Communication. Strong written and verbal communication skills including professional internal and external customer service and high-quality deliverables.  Experience interpreting and explaining environmental regulations or programs to a wide variety of technical and non-technical audiences including public, private, and government entities.

• Compliance & Enforcement. Applying or evaluating compliance with wetland and waterway resource regulations or similar environmental laws.

• GPS/GIS Skills.  Using GPS and GIS software, such as ArcGIS Pro, for data analysis and mapping.

• Teamwork & Problem Solving. Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, including strong conflict resolution abilities.

• Professional Skills. Reliable, professional, self-motivated, and able to work under strict deadlines with strong organizational and time-management skills.

Please attach a cover letter of two (2) pages or less describing the above desired attributes that you bring to this position. 

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact DSL-Human.Resources@dsl.oregon.gov and include the job requisition number.
• For more information about applying for positions with the State of Oregon via Workday, you may visit the Oregon job opportunities website.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please check out these Veteran’s Resources, or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666.
• After you apply, you may be asked to provide additional optional information. Please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section. Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
• The state of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• As an employer, DSL complies with Oregon’s Pay Equity law.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
• For questions about the job duties or application process, please contact DSL-Human.Resources@dsl.oregon.gov or call 971-600-5831 to speak to our recruitment team