Natural Resources Specialist

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
Our mission is to facilitate orderly growth and development in the Deschutes County community through coordinated programs of Land Use Planning, Environmental Soils, Building Safety, Code Enforcement, Education, and Service to the public. Deschutes County Natural Resources manages and administers a comprehensive fire and noxious weed education, preparedness and mitigation program to reduce risk to communities, real property loss, and environmental damage in Deschutes County.
 
ABOUT THE COUNTY:
We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,250 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices.  
 
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team.

ABOUT THE JOB:

This position provides the opportunity to contribute to a growing Natural Resources Department to reduce the risk of wildfire, control noxious weeds and help manage non-federal lands in Deschutes County. The position will manage a robust grant program and assist the Fire Adapted Communities Coordinator with Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and outreach material. The goal is to provide funding and services to communities that have the highest risk of wildfire and noxious weeds. The position will engage with residents by planning and carrying out successful defensible space and mitigation projects. Main duties will involve site visits to communities and other non-federal land, contract administration, treatment monitoring, grant reporting and CWPP updates. The position will have an integral part in reducing risk of fire and noxious weeds in Deschutes County.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead with all aspects of grant program management and contract administration, including regulatory requirements, budgeting, and reporting.
• Use of land maps or GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map vegetation and resources for ecosystems, fire, fuel and other related projects, including maintaining data. 
• Assist communities and agency partners throughout Deschutes County to prepare, revise and implement Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs).

What You Will Bring: 
Knowledge of or experience with:

• Natural Resource Management activities, including fire/fuel reduction, wildfire safety and mitigation, noxious weed control, and ecological restoration.
• General knowledge of the theory, practices, and principles of natural resource management program.
• General knowledge of the laws, procedures, principles, and regulations governing natural resource programs.
• General knowledge of trends, ecological changes, and developments in natural resource management.

Skill in:

• Writing and administering contracts and grants.
• Coordinating and leading projects.
• Interpreting and applying state and federal regulations, and County codes and policies.
• Standard and specialized computer software applications, including GIS applications.
• Developing educational material, interpreting and communicating plans, policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Presenting and defending program reports and recommendations in public meetings.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, citizens, developers, advocates, and regional agencies.
• Facilitating discussions and meetings amongst a wide variety of stakeholders with diverse views and opinions.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. 

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.
 
Notification to all candidates will be sent via email and/or text only. Please opt in for text messaging or check your email and your Governmentjobs.com account for application status.
 
Review the full job description by clicking HERE.$6,004.15 to $8,046.13 per month for a 172.67-hour work month. Excellent County benefit package when eligible. This union-represented position is available immediately.

This position may also be eligible for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) on June 22, 2026, pending budget adoption by the Board of County Commissioners.

BENEFITS:
Our robust healthcare package covers medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage at a minimal cost of $100 for employee only and $121 per month for employee plus dependents, which includes an innovative on-site clinic, pharmacy, and wellness and wellbeing services. Additionally, we include life insurance, retirement (PERS), generous paid time-off (14-18 hours/month to start, pro-rated for part-time), holidays, and professional development opportunities. Please click HERE for full benefit details.

• Associate’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Forestry, or related coursework; 
• AND three (3) years of program management and training experience, including an understanding of natural resources, forestry, and community wildfire issues; 
• OR any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills and knowledge to perform the job.  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or closely related field. 
• Experience in grant and contract administration.
• Experience writing and implementing Community Wildfire Protections Plans.
• National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) wildland fire qualifications.
• Experience in GIS applications.

Salary : $6,004 - $8,046