Initial Posting Date:
11/14/2025Application Deadline:
11/30/2025Agency:
Department of AgricultureSalary Range:
$5,325 - $8,148Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Pesticide Enforcement Case Reviewer)Job Description:
Do you have experience in natural resources enforcement? Are you passionate about ensuring that Oregon has healthy ecosystems and a vibrant agricultural economy? If so, come join our team as a Pesticide Enforcement Case Reviewer (Natural Resource Specialist 3) where you’ll ensure that pesticide applicators have access to information and training on how to use crop protectant materials safely and effectively while best protecting themselves, workers, pollinators, and the environment.
Oregon Department of Agriculture – Who we are:
At the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with safeguarding Oregon’s agriculture, natural resources, working lands, economies, and communities through assistance, compliance, and market support. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture strategic plan. 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. Learn more about what we do here.
What you’ll be doing:
This Pesticide Enforcement Case Reviewer (Natural Resource Specialist 3) position works within ODA’s Natural Resources Division (NRD) and is based in Salem, Oregon. NRD aims to conserve, protect, and develop natural resources on public and private lands to ensure that agriculture will continue to be productive and economically viable in Oregon. In this role you will:
Protect Oregon’s environment and public health by ensuring the proper and legal sale, use, and distribution of pesticide products, and training of pesticide applicators.
Review investigation case files for accuracy, clarity, and completeness.
Draft enforcement documents, write summary reports and assist in handling contested cases.
Provide technical expertise to other department staff, the regulated community, and the public regarding pesticide compliance.
Working Conditions: Some work may need to be conducted during evening hours and on weekends. Work locations away from the office will vary, including a variety of business and public locations. Driving great distances in all weather conditions and some overnight travel is required of this position. Employees occasionally handle concentrated and diluted pesticide products.
What are we looking for?
To Qualify for the Position, You Need:
3 years of experience in natural resources (preferably in pesticides but not required). At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing work in a natural resource program area such as researching, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities and a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources or a related field of study.
Or a total of six years of related experience.
Note: A Master's degree in a Natural Resource related field will substitute for up to 1 year of the required experience; a Doctorate degree in a Natural Resource related field will substitute for up to 2 years of the required experience.
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Attach your resume and cover letter to your application.
Requested Skills:
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.
Ability to work both independently, but also as part of a collaborative team.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Proven organizational skill and ability to work through multiple priorities with varying deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written (especially technical writing) communication skills.
Ability to speak a second language beyond English is a plus (Spanish preferred).
Projected Recruitment Timeline
Recruitment Closes: November 30, 2025 (11:59 PM)
1st Round of Interviews: December 8-12, 2025
2nd Round of Interviews: TBD
*These dates are approximate and may change. *
** 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 cover letter and a resume to your application. Show us how you meet the qualifications and requested skills in your application. Applications without both requested documents 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 documentation.
Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.
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 including comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees 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), deferred compensation, and the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Additional Information:
For current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
Please ensure you've provided a thorough and updated application regarding the position for which you are applying. The required application materials submitted at the time of application will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage.
This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional 6.95%. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details, or you may visit our website for information on Pay Equity.
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 a 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 accommodation for the recruitment process, don't hesitate to get in touch with the recruiter at oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.