Wetland Ecologist

Are you experienced in aquatic resource management and passionate about safeguarding wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) by March 12th, 2026! This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule based out of our Bend office, with training in Salem the first three to five days, in-office days in Bend two times a week for the first six weeks and then at least two-three times per month for the duration of the position. The successful candidate must be able to travel for onsite visits within Oregon on short notice and, within six months of hiring, live within commutable distance to the Bend office.

Make a Difference for Oregon. The Department of State Lands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s wetland and waterways 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 Wetland Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3), you will too.

 The Wetland Ecologist is the technical expert for wetland delineation review and is responsible for supporting agency personnel in determination of wetland boundaries and state jurisdiction. The Wetland Ecologist is responsible for communicating information to public and local agencies. The successful candidate will make wetland jurisdictional determinations and assist Aquatic Resource Coordinators with on-site evaluations, review notices and inventories, and provide education and outreach about Oregon wetlands and waterways.

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 enroll 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 $5,453 – $8,345 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 $5,832 – $8,925. Please review the Classification and Compensation page for more information.
• Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience. Visit our Pay Equity 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 is statewide and will report directly to our main Bend office. This is a full-time, permanent position and is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Working Conditions:

The successful candidate will work in a hybrid office setting with fieldwork and travel to remote locations, an essential component of the position. Work site visits may involve walking on uneven terrain or in wet, muddy ground without pathways – in all types of weather. Overnight stays and/or extended work hours can be expected along with exposure to inclement weather and difficult road conditions. Visits to on-site locations may be by vehicle, watercraft, or on foot.

What you will be doing:

As our Wetland Ecologist, you will have the opportunity to:

• Explain laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the public, consultants, and other agency partners.
• Assist the public, consultants, and staff with wetland and waterway identification and delineation; provide guidance on conducting delineations and preparing reports according to state requirements.
• Review wetland delineation reports, including data, maps, and photographs to affirm boundaries of wetlands and waterways; identify data gaps or conduct on-site verification of reports as needed.
• Conduct on and off-site jurisdictional determinations of aquatic resources including wetlands and waterways. Explain the results of determinations to the public, local governments, and other professionals.
• Educate and inform local governments and the public about requirements for wetland land use; evaluate and respond to Wetland Land Use Notices submitted by local governments.
• Collaborate with Aquatic Resource Coordinators in the collection and interpretation of field data for use in investigations or enforcement actions.

For a full description of the duties and working conditions, please email DSL-Human.Resources@dsl.oregon.gov to request position description.

Minimum Qualifications- to be considered for this position, please ensure you have one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Three (3) years of experience in aquatic resource management. At least one year of experience must be at a technical level or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities;

AND

a bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field such as biology, ecology, 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:

• Customer service experience
• Experience communicating specific program requirements to a wide variety of people and abilities including public, private and government entities
• Time management skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Conflict resolution skills
• Data collection experience in wetland and waterways
• Wetland delineation and stream ecology experience
• Experience reading and interpreting data collected on the 1987 Corps Wetland Delineation Manual regional supplements
• Plant identification skills
• Soil identification skills
• Experience using desktop GIS software including ARCGIS Pro
• Professional Wetland Scientist Certification (or in progress)

Please be sure to attach a resume and a cover letter of two (2) pages or less describing the above desired attributes you bring to this position.

The Oregon Department of State Lands is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse working environment. The Department hires staff interested in supporting environmental justice by including communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes. We encourage members of these communities to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the desired attributes. The Oregon Department of State Lands understands that an authentic focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace will in turn create a workforce aligned to meet the challenge of serving all Oregonians.

Additional Information

• This position may be used to fill future vacancies.
• If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact DSL-Human.Resources@dsl.oregon.gov and include the job requisition number.
• For more information about applying for positions with the State of Oregon via Workday, you may visit the Oregon job opportunities website.
• The state of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
• After you apply, you may be asked to provide additional optional information. Please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section. Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
• As an employer, DSL complies with Oregon’s Pay Equity law.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
• For questions about the job duties or application process, please contact DSL-Human.Resources@dsl.oregon.gov or call 971-304-5881 to speak to our recruitment team.