Initial Posting Date: 04/01/2024 Application Deadline: 05/01/2024 Agency: Oregon Health Authority Salary Range: $4,998 - $7,647 Position Type: Employee Position Title: Healthy Recreational Waters Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) – Portland, OR (Hybrid) Job Description: The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Public Health Division (PHD), Environmental Public Health (EPH) program in Portland, Oregon has a career opportunity for a Healthy Recreational Waters Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) to coordinate efforts to reduce health risks to people in Oregon from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in recreational freshwaters. This is a full-time, permanent, classified position and is represented by a union. This recruitment may be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill current or future vacancies. What will you do? In this position, your responsibilities will include coordinating efforts to reduce health risks to people in Oregon from Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in recreational freshwaters (lakes, reservoirs, rivers). You will work collaboratively with external natural resource agencies, local water body managers, academic institutions, interested parties, and other staff in the Environmental Public Health (EPH) Healthy Waters Unit to develop plans and measures for systematic surveillance of water bodies susceptible to harmful algal blooms. Additionally, you will lead the implementation of OHA's recreational waters advisory programs for HABs and beach water quality. Moreover, you will provide support for additional water-related environmental hazard risk analysis and response, offer technical assistance to partners, produce informational materials for the public, generate status reports, and perform budgetary, grant writing, and administrative activities necessary to support associated projects and programs. With a primary focus on reducing health risks to people in Oregon from exposure to environmental contaminants in recreational waters, both fresh and marine, this position plays a critical role in protecting public health and ensuring the safety of water resources. 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 benefit packages for you and your qualified family members with minimal out-of-pocket costs (member cost share is as low as 1% - 5%). 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 accrued each month. 8 hours of vacation leave accrued each month with increases every 5 years. Pension and Retirement plans. After six months of service, you may qualify for the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). New employees may be enrolled in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP). Student Loan Forgiveness; Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity. The PSLF program may forgive student loan balances after you’ve made the equivalent of 120 qualifying monthly payments. Optional benefits include short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. Continuous growth and development opportunities. Click here to learn more and access a summary of State of Oregon benefits. The Oregon Health Authority is committed to: Eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030 Becoming an anti-racist organization Developing and promoting culturally and linguistically appropriate programs, and Developing and retaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce that represents the diversity, cultures, strengths, and values of the people of Oregon. Minimum Qualifications: Three years of experience in the natural resources field. At least one year of the three years of experience must be at a technical or professional level; performing activities in an environmental health or natural resources program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, and/or coordinating and monitoring project activities, AND one of the following: A bachelor's degree in environmental health, natural resources, or a related degree. Three additional years (6 years total) of environmental health or natural resources experience, specifically in recreational or environmental water quality. Note: A master's degree in environmental health or natural resources will substitute for up to one year of the required experience. A doctorate degree in environmental health or natural resources will substitute for up to two years of the required experience. Desired Attributes: Experience evaluating the impact on the health of pollution sources and determining appropriate environmental health strategy is required. Experience or knowledge of the principles of biology, microbiology, chemistry, and/or toxicology. Experience working with recreational or environmental water quality. Experience in human health effects of chemicals, microbes, and other pathogens that relate to the field of health assessment. Experience in the principles and procedures of environmental health investigations. Experience working with state and federal environmental regulations. Experience 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. Experience with data collection systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience communicating (verbal, written, and interpersonal) to a variety of audiences; answering questions, and explaining information or decisions. Experience writing investigative or narrative reports. Experience promoting a culturally competent and diverse work environment. Working Conditions: The work of this role may be conducted in a hybrid manner. When working remotely, the incumbent must establish and maintain an appropriate environment, and meet all applicable technology, security, and safety requirements, including the ability to provide protection from confidential information. There are times when the work will be conducted on-site, at 800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, Oregon. Travel, including in and out-of-state travel with overnight stays may be required. Directions to Apply: ** A Cover Letter and Resume are REQUIRED for this recruitment. Please submit your cover letter and resume in the Resume/Cover Letter (Select files) section located above the application questions. Failure to provide a cover letter and resume may prevent you from being considered for this recruitment. Please fill out the online application and provide your cover letter and resume telling us about yourself and how your personal (lived), educational, and/or professional experience qualifies you for this position. External Applicants: Click the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information. Current State of Oregon employees: Apply through your employee Workday account. View this job aid for assistance. Resources: This job announcement closes at 11:59 pm (PST) on the close date listed above. After submitting your application, be sure to respond to the two questions relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference that immediately follows your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process. Workday will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Oregon Health Authority Website Mission, Vision and Core Values Programs and Divisions Career Resources State of Oregon Career Resources Page Get Your Application and Resume Noticed Ace the Interview Search for State of Oregon jobs How to Set Job Alerts Additional Information: Visa Sponsorships: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. OHA is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States. Pay Scale: Upon receiving a salary offer, we will conduct a pay equity assessment using the information provided in your application to determine your salary placement upon hire. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, please make certain your application materials are up-to-date and thorough. Include relevant details such as your work history, education, volunteer work, lived experiences, and any other pertinent information related to the position you are applying for. Please visit the Pay Equity Project homepage to learn more. The salary listed is at the non-PERS rate. Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) eligible employees will have their base salary increased by 6.95% and will pay the 6% employee contribution to PERS. If you are not yet PERS eligible, the 6.95% pay increase and employee contribution will be effective upon PERS eligibility. Background Check: If you are offered employment, your offer will be contingent upon the positive outcome of an abuse check, criminal records check, and driving records check. The information will be shared with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Office of Human Resources (OHR). Any criminal or founded abuse history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Veterans: If you are a veteran, you may receive veterans’ preference points. Click here for more information about veterans’ preference. If you checked that you are a veteran, you will receive a notice in your Workday inbox and will be required to provide your documents at that time. Veterans | Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs: 1-800-692-9666. Questions? If you have questions about the job announcement, would like assistance with the application process, have difficulties applying, or would like to request an accommodation request under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Juan McGruder, HR Analyst, at juan.a.mcgruder@oha.oregon.gov TTY users, please use the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service: 1-800-735-2900. For assistance, please call toll-free 1-855-524-5627. Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Pay Equity: The Oregon Health Authority is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other protected class under state or federal law. In addition, we do not discriminate, or screen applicants based on current or past compensation. To learn more about OHA’s mission, vision, and core values, click here. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”