Tag Archives: water quality

Harmful Algal Bloom Water Quality Analyst (Natural Resource Specialist 3). Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Portland, OR (Hybrid work optional). Early-career position.

Posted on by

Posting #: REQ-155003. Salary Range: $4,993 – $7,641/month. Application Closing Date: July 22, 2024.

Job Description:

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/E-Cs6M9AAlU

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity for a Harmful Algal Bloom Water Quality Analyst (Natural Resource Specialist 3) in Portland, Oregon.

Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality. The Water Quality Division has a critical role in achieving the Department’s mission by developing policy, implementation tools, and implementation priorities for improving and protecting the quality of water in Oregon’s waterways. The Water Quality Division works cooperatively with the Department’s three regional offices and the Laboratory to deliver programs and services that protect and enhance the quality of the waters of the state to protect public health and the environment.

The Watershed Management Section of the Water Quality Program oversees the development and maintenance of the water quality management plan; establishes total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), waste load allocations, and load allocations to be achieved by those streams and water bodies that do not currently meet water quality standards; coordinates on Nonpoint Source Program issues internal and external to DEQ; administers the 319 Grant Program; provides statewide coordination for drinking water source protection; and provides statewide coordination of water quality activities on the Columbia River.

Click here to view a map of all of the DEQ offices.

What you will do!

You will conduct technical analyses of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in Oregon, with a focus on freshwater systems. Your work will include assessments of the frequency, magnitude, and extent of HABs in Oregon’s water; determination of factors contributing to HABs across Oregon; and consultation to field and laboratory monitoring activities investigating water quality effects linked to HABs. You will provide water quality data analysis, water quality evaluation and assessment, and technical modeling of complex environmental data requiring subject matter expertise, statistical analysis, spatial analysis, modeling, and other technical expertise to characterize and evaluate HABs. You will provide expertise and assist senior level positions with project development, project planning, and monitoring plans to support basin assessment and development of management plans to address HABs in priority waterbodies. In addition, you will be responsible for coordination with the laboratory, regions, and other DEQ programs, and external communities and interested parties.

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 11 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 physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field, AND 3 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable). At least one 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.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:

  • Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities; ability to take personal responsibility for increasing their knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
  • Demonstrated experience analyzing, modeling, and evaluating algae, water quality, water quantity, waterbody and watershed characteristic, climate, land use and land cover, and other relevant data.
  • Experience analyzing and evaluating harmful algal blooms through the development and implementation of TMDLs.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in using GIS, R, Python, or other relevant software for water quality analysis, modeling, and visual display.
  • Experience working with the laws, procedures, principles, and regulations governing Federal and State water quality programs and subprograms; knowledge of the trends, developments, and technological changes in the water quality field.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences; skill in writing and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses.

Working Conditions:

DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness.

This position will be based out of DEQ’s Headquarters office in Portland; 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. DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. At DEQ sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees.

There will be occasional travel by car for site visits, meetings, seminars, public hearings, conferences, and trainings, some of which may involve evening work, overnight stays, and/or weekend work. During site visits, there is the potential for exposure to contaminated soil and water, fumes, airborne contaminants, pollutants, and inclement weather. There is the potential for lifting of up to 25lbs.

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 knowledge article for assistance.

Helpful Tips:

  • Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application.
  • Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity.
  • This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.
  • Please save a copy of the job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job posting closes.
  • Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
  • Workday performs best in Google Chrome.
  • Click here for Resources and a Job Support Page. 

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 on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources, or call the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. 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. Please note: the salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95% (6% goes to PERS and .95% covers payroll taxes). Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.

Work Authorization:

DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. DEQ is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized 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 maddy.ouye@deq.oregon.gov or (503) 347-5759. TTY users: please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.

Healthy Waters Natural Resource Specialist [Natural Resource Specialist 4], Oregon Health Authority, Hybrid Work/Portland, OR

Posted on by

REQ-150936. Application Deadline: March 24, 2024.

Salary Range: $5,747 – $8,831 / month

Job Description:

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD) is recruiting for a Healthy Waters Natural Resource Specialist to support the State of Oregon’s Healthy Waters unit as the program’s lead technical resource on water-related health hazards. The primary purpose of this position is to evaluate and report on human health risks from exposure to environmental contaminants including, but not limited to, those found in domestic well water, recreational waters (fresh and marine), as well as recycled/reused water and fish tissue. This position’s work supports OHA’s domestic well safety program, beach water quality advisories, fish consumption advisories, harmful algal bloom advisories, water plan reuse review, and other state programs related to waterborne health risks.

The work includes developing and maintaining surveillance systems to detect hazards to human health, using data to make determinations about public health interventions and other courses of action, preparing and presenting risk communication messages and public health advisories to potentially affected individuals and communities, representing OHA for media requests, and making recommendations to inter-agency advisory committees.

The Healthy Waters NRS4 also provides technical assistance and methodological expertise in collaboration with partner organizations regarding data collection on environmental hazards, environmental exposures to microbial pathogens or toxins, and health effects.

OHA values service excellence, leadership, integrity, health equity and partnership and has a strategic goal to end all health inequities by 2030.

The OHA mission is helping people and communities achieve optimum physical, mental, and social well-being through partnership, prevention and access to quality, affordable health care. OHA’s work is organized into three broad goals: Improve the lifelong health of all Oregonians, increase the quality, reliability, and availability of care for all Oregonians and lower or contain the cost of care so it is affordable to everyone.

This is a full-time, permanent position and is represented by a union, SEIU Human Services.
What you will do!

• Develop program strategy, review, and inform project work completed by other program staff for Oregon Beach Monitoring, Fish Consumption, Harmful Algae Blooms, and Domestic Well Safety Program.

• Prepare or review draft interagency MOUs and agreements.

• Advise management and other staff on scope and compliance for contracts supporting domestic well laboratory testing and treatment system installation.

• Provide and interpret water quality and environmental data reports for groundwater management, cyanobacteria and toxins, and fish contaminant levels.

• Provide support to toxicologist on fish consumption calculations and develop technical memos as necessary when fish consumption advisories are issued.

• Coordinate technical aspects of program protocols and public health advisories including, but not limited to, fish consumption advisories and harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisories.

• Research literature for new data and information on HABs and emerging potential human and animal health risks from exposure.

• Participate in EPH section and center-wide activities to mutually further the mission and goals of the program, section and office; receive general calls from the public on a rotational basis (Tox Call); and performs other activities as assigned.

What’s in it for you?
The public health division is a team of passionate individuals working to promote health across the lifespan of individuals, families, and communities. We value and support unique perspectives using a trauma-informed approach and aim to reflect these values in our hiring practices, professional development, and workplace. We are committed to racial equity as a driving factor to improve health outcomes for all communities that experience inequities.

  • We offer exceptional medical, vision and dental benefits packages for you and your qualified family members, with very low monthly out-of-pocket costs. Try this free virtual benefits counselor by clicking here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/pebb/pages/alex.aspx  
  • Paid Leave Days:
    • 11 paid holidays each year
    • 3 additional paid “Personal Business Days” each year
    • 8 hours of paid sick leave accumulated every month
    • Progressive vacation leave accrual with increases every 5 years
  • Pension and retirement programs
  • Optional benefits include short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses.
  • Click here to learn more about State of Oregon benefits.

Most of this work may be conducted remotely at an alternate worksite with full access to the needed operating systems and technology. However, there are many times that the work will need to be conducted at the primary work location listed in this announcement, the Portland State Office Building located at 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR 97232. Work location can be changed at any time at the discretion of the hiring manager.
OHA values health equity, service excellence, integrity, leadership, partnership, innovation and transparency. OHA’s health equity definition is “Oregon will have established a health system that creates health equity when all people can reach their full potential and well-being and are not disadvantaged by their race, ethnicity, language, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, intersections among these communities or identities, or other socially determined circumstances.

Achieving health equity requires the ongoing collaboration of all regions and sectors of the state, including tribal governments to address: the equitable distribution or redistributing of resources and power; and recognizing, reconciling, and rectifying historical and contemporary injustices.” OHA’s 10-year goal is to eliminate health inequities. Click here, to learn more about OHA’s mission, vision and core values.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience in water-related health hazards (specifically domestic wells, health-related hazards attributed to recreational use, HABs, and fish consumption, or any combination of the above). At least one year of the experience must be 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;

AND
A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Public Health, or similar degrees, or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.
OR

A Master’s degree in Public Health with an environmental focus will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
OR

A Doctorate degree in Environmental Public Health will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Desired Attributes

  • Experience in advancing health equity, addressing systemic health inequities and collaborating with diverse communities most harmed by social injustice and health inequities.
  • Knowledge of the following is required: Human health effects of chemicals, microbes and other pathogens which relate to the field of health assessment; principles and procedures of environmental health investigations; relevant state and federal environmental regulations. Skill in evaluating the impact on health of pollution sources and determining appropriate environmental health strategy is required.
  • Position requires knowledge and skill using numeric analytical techniques and software (e.g., spreadsheets, statistical packages, and/or GIS) to acquire, integrate, analyze and produce information relevant to policy decisions.
  • Knowledge of data collection, systems and use is necessary. Requires skill with the following applications: Word processing (e.g. Microsoft Word), presentation software (e.g. Microsoft Powerpoint), analytic applications (e.g. Microsoft Excel and/or statistical packages). Must be skilled in creating, maintaining, and using files and public records.
  • Person must have good communication skills (verbal, written, and interpersonal) to be used with a variety of audiences answering questions and explaining information or decisions. Must be skilled in writing investigative or narrative reports.
  • Preference given to individuals with specific knowledge of principles of biology, microbiology, chemistry and/or toxicology.
  • Rigorous adherence to the highest standards of confidentiality regarding patient information is required.

How to apply:

  • Complete the online application
  • Attach a Cover Letter, no more than 2 pages, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the Desired Attributes section of this announcement.

Please ensure you’ve provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. Your application materials will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment.  For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.

Questions/Need Help?

If you need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation request under the American with Disabilities Act contact: Juan McGruder at Voice: [503-302-0454] (TTY 711) or Email: Juan.A.McGruder@oha.oregon.gov. TTY users  may dial 711 or 1-800-735-2900. For Workday technical support dial 1-855-524-5627.

U.S. EPA Fellowship (ORISE): Identifying Drivers of Nutrients and Algal Blooms in Rivers, Streams, and Lakes, Corvallis, OR

Posted on by

Application Deadline: November 24, 2023, 12pm Pacific Time

URL to apply: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CPHEA-PESD-2023-07

Research Project: The research participant will collaborate on projects within the Pacific Ecological Systems Division (PESD) that examine the relationships between watershed, climate and human drivers of nutrients and harmful algal blooms in freshwater ecosystems. Human activities can release nutrients to landscapes, watersheds and waterways in excess of the capacity to use and retain these nutrients, altering leaching, groundwater quality, drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystem composition and productivity, including harmful algal blooms. In particular, harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria have the potential to produce toxins that are dangerous to people, pets, and wildlife through drinking water and recreational uses. As a result, there is increasing need to understand the drivers and predict where harmful algal blooms may occur.

Qualifications:

The qualified candidate should have received a master’s degree in one of the relevant fields, or be currently pursuing the degree with completion before the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.  

The preferred skills listed below are intended to be a guide for the types of interests and skills candidates may have for this opportunity. These are structured as “or” statements to give examples of the different types of experiences that would indicate a given skill. The US EPA and ORISE program strive to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment. Candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply. The best candidate for the job may not have experience with all of the preferred qualifications listed. If you are excited about this opportunity, please apply. If you excited about this opportunity but unsure if you have the experience to be successful in this role, please contact us to discuss your application.

Primary preferred skills:

  • Experience interpreting any of the following types of data: Water chemistry, watershed science, nutrient cycling, landscape ecology, or geospatial analysis;
  • Experience with using a programming language (R, Python) for data analysis such as compiling data, conducting statistical analyses, or visualizing data in the form of graphs or maps;

Secondary preferred skills:

  • Experience with contributing to written products such as a thesis, peer-reviewed publication, or report;
  • Experience working as part of a group such as communicating among team-members, creating action items based on team goals, or and meeting team expectations.

Eligibility: U.S. Citizen Only. Pursuing a Master’s degree or have received a Master’s degree in last 60 months.

Mentor(s): The mentors for this project are Amalia Handler (handler.amalia@epa.gov) and Jana Compton (compton.jana@epa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentors.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Fall 2023/Winter 2024.  All start dates are flexible and vary depending on numerous factors. Click here for detailed information about start dates.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year and may be renewed upon EPA recommendation and subject to availability of funding.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.

Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Click here for detailed information about full-time stipends.

EPA Security Clearance: Completion of a successful background investigation by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required for an applicant to be on-boarded at EPA.

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • Two educational or professional recommendations. Click here for detailed information about recommendations.

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and EPA. Participants do not become employees of EPA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.