Aquatic Resource Planner

Are you an experienced leader in natural resources and passionate about wetlands and waterways? Apply to be one of our next Aquatic Resource Planner (Natural Resource Specialist 4) by September 25th, 2025! This full-time, permanent position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Salem office. This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Salem office, with in-office days up to 2 times a week for the first six weeks and then 2-3 times per month for the duration of the position. 

Making a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Aquatic Resource Planner (Natural Resource Specialist 4), you will too.

The primary purpose of this position is to provide statewide technical leadership and serve as the subject matter expert for wetland conservation planning and protection. The position supports implementation of several Statewide Land Use Planning Goals, especially Goal 5, by guiding and assisting local governments in developing and maintaining Local Wetlands Inventories. The position serves as a primary point of contact with local governments for DSL programs. As part of the Planning and Policy unit within the Aquatic Resource Management division, this role integrates technical expertise with policy guidance to ensure wetland protection objectives are met consistently across the state.

What’s In It for You?

• Join our team of collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities. Use your skills and experience in natural resources to protect Oregon’s waterways and wetlands through the state’s Removal-Fill Law while engaging the public, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical and dental insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave and eight (8) hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every five (5) years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, one (1) floating holiday, three (3) personal business days and other medical, vision and dental benefits, including flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enrolled into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after six (6) months of full-time service.
• Possibly qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $6,122 – $9,409 for employees new to public service. After 6 months, you will receive a 6.95% increase with 6% going to your PERS retirement.
• Current PERS employees start at $6,545- $10,063. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more details.
• NOTE: Starting pay is determined by a pay equity analysis, which is partly based on the number of years of relevant experience.

This position will report directly to our main Salem office. This is a full-time, permanent position represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Working Conditions

The successful candidate will work in an office setting with regular computer use and at times in a fast-paced work environment with multiple demands. This position requires the ability to work on multiple tasks, sometimes under pressure of high priority deadlines. Occasional fieldwork along waterways or on rough terrain may be required to complete assigned work. Travel is an essential function of the position. Occasional overnight stays and/or extended work hours may occur along with exposure to inclement weather and road conditions. Work can at times be in remote locations. DSL provides agency-maintained vehicles, reimbursement for field gear, and travel expenses for authorized, on-the-job travel and fieldwork.

What You Will Be Doing

As an Aquatic Resource Planner, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop technical and/or planning assistance to regional and local governments, other state agencies, and other interested parties for wetlands planning activities under the Statewide Land Use Planning Program
• Review wetland plans, inventories, and ordinances for conformance with state requirements and represent the agency in settlement of conflicts
• Serve on state task forces or advisory committees in areas of expertise
• Develop guidance documents and implement strategies for department staff and customers to assure consistent methods and products
• Develop and provide outreach and training opportunities to department staff, state, regional, and local groups to keep them informed of current standards and new developments that affect their work
• Coordinate outreach to Department of Land Conservation and Development regional and Oregon Coastal Management Program staff, Regional Solutions Team Region Coordinators, federal agencies, regional Councils of Governments and similar groups to assist in local and regional planning efforts
• Perform field work and reconnaissance, including field verification necessary for the review of Local Wetlands Inventories and wetland delineation reports
• Plan, lead, and implement special projects and new program activities
• Consult with agency leadership and technical experts to identify wetland planning opportunities and resolve conflicting use issues that may arise between potential land use and wetlands protections

For a full description of the duties and working conditions, please email Tricarico.schwartz@dsl.oregon.gov to request the position description.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered for this position, please ensure you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Four (4) years of experience in aquatic resource management. At least two years of the experience must be at a technical level or professional level performing wetland determinations or delineations and completing or reviewing wetland function assessments.

AND

A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, natural resources, or environmental science, or three (3) additional years of related experience.

NOTE: A master’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

A doctorate degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, or environmental science will substitute for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

Desired Attributes

Tell us which of the following skills, experiences, and related talents you have by highlighting them in your application materials:

• Experience conducting and reviewing wetland determinations and delineations, including confirming wetland classifications using both the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) and Cowardin systems
• Experience conducting or reviewing wetland function and value assessments
• Experience with land use planning processes and practices in Oregon
• Experience interpreting environmental regulations or regulatory requirements and effectively explaining their implications to non-technical audiences
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro or equivalent ESRI desktop products
• Experience developing and presenting information, training, and educational materials for public audiences
• Experience developing new policies or developing procedures or guidance to implement existing policies