Food Systems Specialist​/Natural Resource Specialist

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is hiring a Food Systems Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4) in Portland, OR. The role involves leading the Food Systems team to implement a strategic plan aimed at reducing the environmental and social impacts of food systems. Candidates should have significant experience in natural resources or environmental fields. The position offers a competitive benefits package and is full-time.
Position: Food Systems Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Initial Posting Date: 03/06/2025

Final date to receive applications: 03/23/2025

Agency: Department of Environmental Quality

Salary Range: $6,122 - $9,409

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Food Systems Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist
4)

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Lived experience may count towards the preferred qualification. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply.

Are you passionate about reducing the environmental impacts of food and supporting sustainable food systems in Oregon? Do you have a strong background in leading collaborative project teams to achieve shared goals? If so, please consider applying for the full-time Food Systems Specialist (Natural Resource Specialist
4) position with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality in Portland, Oregon.

About DEQ!

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulatory agency of the government of the U.S. State of Oregon responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's natural resources. At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water.

What you will do!

The Food Systems Specialist will play an important role in DEQ’s Materials Management Program
, which is focused on reducing the environmental and social impacts of materials and products throughout their full life cycle. This full-time opportunity is based in Portland, OR and sits within the Life Cycle Programs section.

As the Food Systems Specialist, you will provide key staff leadership for the Food Systems team in the Materials Management Program, and lead implementation of DEQ’s new food systems strategic plan. You will develop program goals, strategies, policy priorities and action plans to reduce the environmental, social, and health impacts of food and other high impact materials produced, used, consumed, and/or discarded in Oregon.

What’s in it for you!

The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are ever the same! DEQ cares deeply about employee wellness and benefits. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for the employee and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays a year.

This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications:

7 years of experience in a natural resource or environmental field, with at least 1 year of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program.

Substitutions:
• An equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• A Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 years of experience.
• A Master’s degree may substitute for 4 years of experience.
• A Doctorate may substitute for 5 years of experience.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following desired attributes:
• Environmental Justice and DEI: Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities.
• Sustainable Food Systems: Significant knowledge of and experience working to reduce the environmental impacts of food systems.
• Food Waste Prevention: Significant knowledge of and experience addressing the causes and factors that create food waste.
• Project Management: Experience with project management processes and best practices.
• Relationships, Collaboration and Partnerships: Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners.

Working Conditions:

This position will be based out of DEQ’s Headquarters office in Portland, however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work.

How to Apply:
• External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application.
• Internal Applicants: Apply through your employee Workday account.

Veterans Information:

DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans.

Work Authorization:

DEQ does not offer visa sponsor ships. All hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9.

Questions/Need Help?

If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team .
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