What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Biocontrol Entomologist) position at Department of Agriculture?
Initial Posting Date:
02/18/2025
Application Deadline:
03/02/2025
Agency:
Department of Agriculture
Salary Range:
$6,123 - $9,409
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Biocontrol Entomologist)
Job Description:
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is seeking to hire a well talented Natural Resource Specialist to help support The Noxious Weed Control Program. If you believe that you are a good candidate for this position, look no further, and apply for the Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Bio-control Entomologist).
What you’ll be doing
- As the Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Bio-control Entomologist) you will work independently to design, develop, implement, and analyze complex biological control surveys and project activities. Independently leads and directs biological control program activities; functions as a team leader; coordinates essential program actions; provides technical, office, laboratory, and field support to develop information on status of biological control agents.
- You will be working in an office, greenhouse and in the field, alone or in groups in remote areas for extended periods; may work outdoors during all seasons; may drive daily with frequent stops over all classes of roadway; occasionally works long or unusual hours, may travel overnight, or drive long distances; occasionally exposed to pesticides and solar radiation; may make contacts on private property and be exposed to noxious plants and insects; may make public presentations where adversarial concerns are expressed.
- Collaborates with university, state, and national stakeholders for the importation and implementation of new biological control agents.
- Develop and distribute outreach materials and maintain website profiles, manage state fair exhibit, grant consultation, and myriad public speaking opportunities.
Our Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Bio-control Entomologist) is a permanent full-time position,
This position reports to our Salem headquarters just 2 blocks from the State Capitol.
Click here to view a full description of this position.
What we’re looking for:
- Five years of experience in Entomology focusing on biological control. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND
a Bachelor's degree in Entomology, or three additional years of related biological control experience.
- A Master's degree in Entomology or related degree with biological control
courses will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
- A Doctorate degree in Entomology or related degree with biological control
courses will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
- A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Projected Recruitment Timeline
- Recruitment Closes: March 2, 2025
- 1st Round Interview may start: March 10, 2025
- 2nd Round if needed may start: March 17, 2025
- *These dates are approximate and may change. *
How to apply:
- A cover letter and resume are required. Your cover letter should demonstrate how your experience and training relate to your qualities under the "what we’re looking for" section above.
- Your cover letter may be addressed to the hiring manager, Troy Abercrombie.
- Upon submitting your application, please check your Workday account for additional tasks to complete, such as questionnaires, and to request veteran's preferences (if applicable).
Learn more about the Oregon Department of Agriculture:
At the Oregon Department of Agriculture (
ODA
), ensures the protection of Oregon’s agriculture and natural resources from the invasion and proliferation of invasive noxious weeds. The Noxious Weed Control Program provides technical leadership and coordination of noxious weed control activities, throughout Oregon with county, state, federal and private land managers. Check out our video to learn more about us!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in the Department of Agriculture core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The department strives to be a model employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived experience may count towards the desired attributes. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the minimum qualifications of this position, please contact our human resources department to discuss your application.
What’s in it for you
The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are the same! We offer a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive
medical, vision, and dental benefits
for employees and their qualified family members, as well as paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays
a year. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
, deferred compensation
, and the opportunity to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
.
Additional Information:
For current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
- Please ensure you've provided a thorough and updated application regarding the position for which you are applying. The required application materials submitted at the time of application will be used to determine salary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit thePay Equity Projecthomepage.
- This position is represented by SEIU.
- This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
- The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect the additional PERS contribution. Please review theClassification and Compensationpage for more details, or you mayvisit our website.
- United States Employment Eligibility: The Oregon Department of Agriculture does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. The Oregon Employment Department is an E-Verify employer. If you are a successful candidate, you must present your I-9acceptable documents(See page 3) for employment verification.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need accommodation for the recruitment process, don't hesitate to get in touch with the recruiter at
oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov
or call 503-986-4584.
