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Hazardous Waste Permit Writer (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity for a Hazardous Waste Permit Writer (Natural Resource Specialist 4). This position will be located in either The Dalles or Pendleton (the candidate may choose work location). Please join this innovative team to help advance our Agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environment.

DEQ’s Eastern Region is responsible for implementation of Water Quality, Air Quality, and Land Quality Programs including drafting permits (Hazardous Waste and Solid Waste), conducting compliance inspections of permitted facilities, enforcing permits and requirements, investigating complaints, responding to spills or other incidents with environmental impacts, and directing contact and liaising with federal, tribal, and local government, industries, and the public.

The Hazardous Waste Program, within the Land Quality section of the Eastern Region Division, is responsible for administering and enforcing state rules at highly complex hazardous waste sites, including waste generators and treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) sites. The work utilizes extremely technical and complex federal and state regulations and technical guidance documents that provide the regulatory framework for the hazardous waste permitting and generator compliance programs. The work involves writing and managing of hazardous treatment, storage, and disposal permits, and responding to public concerns and complaints about hazardous waste management practices. This position serves the citizens of Oregon in dealing with toxic and hazardous wastes, and in protecting human health and the environment. The program is also responsible for enforcing and overseeing RCRA cleanups at hazardous waste sites, and working with businesses to reduce hazardous waste use and provide technical assistance to businesses on hazardous waste issues.

What you will do!
The Hazardous Waste Permit Writer reviews complex hazardous waste management facility storage, treatment, and disposal permit actions and submittals for accuracy, completeness, and conformance with regulations and permit conditions. You will prepare and issue or deny permits and modifications; oversee the implementation of permits; conduct appropriate permit compliance inspections; and initiate appropriate enforcement action, if necessary. The work will be conducted in conjunction with a multi-disciplinary support team.

What’s in it for you!
The opportunity to join a dynamic team of mission focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, water, and land. We offer medical, dental, and vision health benefits with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and 10 paid holidays a year. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program: If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Learn more to see whether you qualify at PSLF Program. If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!
 
This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.

What are we looking for?

  • Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, environmental science, or closely related field, AND 4 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field (an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable).
  • At least 1 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.
  • Experience writing or interpreting rules, regulations, laws, agency guidance, and procedures regarding hazardous waste management or hazardous waste permitting.
  • Experience implementing Subtitle C regulations at Hazardous Waste disposal sites.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; organizational skills; and project management skills, including methods and techniques for managing complex projects.
  • Ability to efficiently process permit applications and modifications, and ability to discuss these actions with permittees and the EPA.
  • Ability to communicate technical data to audiences unfamiliar with the subject matter as well as to other natural resource agencies, tribal governments, and the public.
  • Experience enforcing state and federal regulations, interpretations, and determinations, including ones that may result in civil penalties.


Please be sure to attach a resume and cover letter. You must submit these at the beginning of the application process when it asks for a resume. You may attach more than 1 item in this section.
**Please be sure to check both your e-mail and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.**

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 once you’ve submitted your application via a pop-up with a veterans’ preference questionnaire.

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 ouye.madeline@deq.state.or.us or (503) 229-5107.

DEQ strives to create inclusive environments that welcome and value the diversity of the people we serve. DEQ fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to create workplace environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, physical stature, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, political affiliation, and any other factor applicable by state or federal law.