Initial Posting Date:
11/14/2025Application Deadline:
11/30/2025Agency:
Department of AgricultureSalary Range:
$6,123 - $9,409Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 4 Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) (Permit Coordinator)Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a talented and Natural Resource Specialist 4 to help support the Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Program as a Permit Coordinator.
As the Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Permit Coordinator) in the CAFO Program you will assist new and existing CAFOs with permit compliance and develop and implement enforcement strategies to address violations. In addition, you will be part of a team investigating complaints on complex sources or issues, determining compliance or noncompliance, and initiating corrective action, as appropriate. This position assists the program manager in developing CAFO permits, conducting public noticing, and responding to public comments, as well as other CAFO permit administrative activities.
Our Natural Resource Specialist 4 (CAFO Permit Coordinator) is a permanent full-time position, located in Salem, Oregon, and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Compliance is achieved through permitting and inspection of CAFOs. The program regulates livestock operations to prevent and control water pollution and watershed degradation from livestock operations. Oregon’s permit program includes both state and federal water quality regulations. The number of permitted livestock operations in the state is about 500. Operating according to the conditions of the permit assures that animal wastes are not discharged to waters of the state. Achieving and maintaining a high level of compliance protects surface water from exceeding water quality standards and protects the water for beneficial uses including drinking, irrigation, recreation, wildlife habitat, etc. which are important to both agricultural producers and the public. It is critical to the sustainability of Oregon agriculture that operators of livestock facilities comply with state and federal water quality laws to ensure that water resources continue to be available.
Click here to view a full description of this position.
Working Conditions
Results of activities conducted are often controversial. This position requires the ability to communicate through various media with people having varied educational and professional backgrounds. The position regularly contacts and is contacted by industry professional staff, college and university instructional staff, public and private educators, regulatory officials in all levels of government, special interest organizations, farmers, and the public.
This position’s duties and responsibilities may include access to confidential, sensitive, or protected information. Employee will be required to receive security training in accordance with agency policies.
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 work in animal production facilities and with manure, litter, and process wastewater systems.
A valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to provide a satisfactory alternate mode of transportation is required. This position may cover large geographical areas in which frequent and direct supervision is not available.
Minimum Qualifications:
Three years of experience in natural resources programs (animal agriculture experience preferred) and/or environmental water quality compliance. At least one year of the experience must be in researching, analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field; OR a total of six years of related experience.
A Master's degree in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
A Doctorate degree in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
Desired Attributes:
Experience in agriculture, animal science, environmental science, hydrology, and environmental compliance, with a particular focus on Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) and experience analyzing and interpreting environmental data
Familiarity with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Wastewater Pollution Control Facility (WPCF)
Skill communicating verbally and in writing with a variety of people to answer questions, provide technical assistance, and explain regulatory requirements
Strong analytical thinking with the ability to assess complex problems and develop effective, strategic solutions
A resume and cover letter are required to be considered for this position.
Projected Recruitment Timeline
Recruitment Closes: November 30, 2025 (11:59 PM)
1st Round of Interviews: December 15, 2025
2nd Round of Interviews: TBD
*These dates are approximate and may change. *
How to apply:
Required: Attach a cover letter and a resume to your application. Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your cover letter. 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 documents.
Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.
Because attention to details is extremely important in this position, 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 benefits for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year. The state offers membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, a deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board. Employees of the state may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
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.