Initial Posting Date:
01/15/2026Application Deadline:
02/01/2026Agency:
Department of AgricultureSalary Range:
$4,409 - $6,123Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
(LD) Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician)Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a well talented Natural Resource Specialist to help support the Noxious Weed Control Program. If you believe that you are a good candidate for this position, we invite you to apply for the Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician).
What you’ll be doing
As a Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician) you will identify, map, and manage invasive plants using herbicides, manual removal, and biological controls, working with landowners and the public for education and compliance.
Work is part of large-scale restoration efforts and will concentrate on recently burned areas for EDRR and post-fire weeds management.
May operate specialized equipment. Will maintain detailed records of treatments and infestations. Will survey plant communities in remote and rugged terrain. Will maintain a Public Applicator’s License and Regulatory Weed endorsement through continuing education.
You will collect field data, maintain accurate records, prepare reports for agencies, and enter data into mapping software.
Work Environment
Outdoor & Varied: Works in diverse environments, including roadsides, private and public land, remote areas, facing challenging terrain, weather, and potential hazards like insects, animals, and hazardous materials.
Will drive heavy duty truck, pulling a loaded trailer.
Will operate 6x6 UTV in remote and rugged terrain.
Our Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Noxious Weeds Technician) is a limited duration seasonal full-time appointment that has an expected duration of 17 months (June 30, 2027) but could be extended until June 30, 2029, position. The working location will be in Linn, Lane, Marion, Douglas, Jefferson & Clackamas counties.
*Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
Click here to view a full description of this position
What we’re looking for:
A Bachelor's degree in an Agriculture, Biology, Plant Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related area.
OR
Three years’ experience in natural resources
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Desired Attributes
You do not need to have all these skills to be eligible for this position. Let us know which of these skills you do have in your application.
Experience using dichotomous keys
Knowledge of flora of the Pacific Northwest
Foundational knowledge of plant physiology
Experience in the survey, monitoring, and identification of plants.
Experience with off road vehicles and powered spray equipment
Experience with mixing and application of herbicides
Experience with cooperative management of natural resources
Projected Recruitment Timeline
Recruitment Closes: February 1, 2026
1st Round January February 9, 2026
2nd Round if needed: TBA
*These dates are approximate and may change. *
Approximate start date No later than March 1, 2026
** 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 requested skills. 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.
How to apply:
Required: Attach a resume to your application. Show us how you meet the qualifications and requested skills on your resume. Applications without the requested document attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.
Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your account for pending questions and tasks such as declaring Veterans' Points and attaching supporting.
Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.
How are candidates selected?
The selection process consists of a review of your application and an evaluation of your education, experience, training, and overall professionalism of your application materials. Because details are extremely important to us, your application materials will be evaluated for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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.