State of Oregon
Senior Air Quality Permit Writer & Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 4)
State of Oregon, Medford, Oregon, United States, 97504
Overview
Initial Posting Date: 10/29/2025
Application Deadline: 11/12/2025
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality
Salary Range: $6,122 - $9,409
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Senior Air Quality Permit Writer & Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 4)
Job Description: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. 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.
Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). 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.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Senior Air Quality Permit Writer & Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 4) in Eugene, Medford, or Salem, Oregon (finalist may choose work location).
Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality.
What you will do You will draft highly complex Title V and ACDP Air Quality permits for industrial, commercial, and municipal air quality sources. Your work will include rigorously analyzing facility operations, drafting and reviewing permits, performing compliance inspections, reviewing and analyzing source emissions data, investigating complaints, and preparing enforcement actions in response to source violation of state and federal rules, regulations, laws, and permit conditions. You will complete complex analyses and evaluations of air pollution issues and work to find solutions to those problems. You will serve as a resource on complex ACDP and Title V permitting, compliance, and enforcement activities. You will interact with and serve as a resource to local governments, regulatory agencies, interested parties, and the public.
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 offers 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. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!
This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
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 such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
Substitutions:
Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.
Master’s degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 4 of the required years of experience.
Doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 5 of the required years of experience.
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following desired attributes:
Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities; ability to take personal responsibility for increasing their knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Expert experience and knowledge in source operations, compliance inspection methods, and source permitting, including the ability to correctly interpret and implement NSPS, state NSR/PSD, BACT, MACT, and other requirements and standards.
Expert knowledge of Title V and ACDP industrial sources, all applicable state and federal regulations, facility processes, and pollution control equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences; skill in writing and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
Experience conducting in-depth research and making compliance determinations and moving forward with enforcement processes when appropriate, preferably regarding air quality regulations.
Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses.
Skill in conflict resolution, negotiation, collaboration, and engagement; strong interpersonal skills with an ability to break down traditional barriers that exist between programs, challenging people to take a coordinated rather than independent perspective.
Demonstrated emotional intelligence and capacity to work well in a team environment and with diverse interest parties.
Ability to maintain Visible Emissions Certification.
Working Conditions DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness.
This position will be based out of DEQ’s Eugene, Medford, or Salem office, however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. At DEQ sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees.
This position requires regular statewide to attend meetings, trainings, public hearings, conferences, and seminars, and to conduct field visits, some of which may involve extended work hours, overnight stays, and/or weekend work. During field visits, there is the potential for exposure to inclement weather, pollutants, chemicals, contaminated soil and water, fumes, and airborne contaminants.
How to Apply (complete the application in full)
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. View this external candidate job aid and a video for additional information.
Internal Applicants: Apply through your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for assistance.
Helpful Tips
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application.
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.
Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity.
This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.
Please save a copy of the job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job posting closes.
Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
Workday performs best in Google Chrome.
Resources and a Job Support Page are available.
Help Your Application Rise to the Top!
Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your amazing skills and experience. In addition to your related work experience and education, the agency will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials.
Interested in hearing about future opportunities with DEQ? Subscribe for weekly e-mail updates.
Veterans Information DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources, or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying.
Equal Pay Analysis We comply with HB 2005 and do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in pay. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range; if the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. See the Classification and Compensation page for details.
Work Authorization DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will complete the US DHS Form I-9 and present documents within three business days. DEQ is an E-Verify employer.
Questions/Need Help? If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, including an ADA accommodation, please contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team at jobs@deq.oregon.gov or 503-229-5107.
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Application Deadline: 11/12/2025
Agency: Department of Environmental Quality
Salary Range: $6,122 - $9,409
Position Type: Employee
Position Title: Senior Air Quality Permit Writer & Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 4)
Job Description: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations. 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.
Are you passionate about preserving, enhancing, and protecting Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). 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.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Senior Air Quality Permit Writer & Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 4) in Eugene, Medford, or Salem, Oregon (finalist may choose work location).
Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality.
What you will do You will draft highly complex Title V and ACDP Air Quality permits for industrial, commercial, and municipal air quality sources. Your work will include rigorously analyzing facility operations, drafting and reviewing permits, performing compliance inspections, reviewing and analyzing source emissions data, investigating complaints, and preparing enforcement actions in response to source violation of state and federal rules, regulations, laws, and permit conditions. You will complete complex analyses and evaluations of air pollution issues and work to find solutions to those problems. You will serve as a resource on complex ACDP and Title V permitting, compliance, and enforcement activities. You will interact with and serve as a resource to local governments, regulatory agencies, interested parties, and the public.
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 offers 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. In addition, we offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and you have the opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). If you are passionate about Oregon's environment, apply today!
This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
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 such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
Substitutions:
Bachelor’s degree in physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.
Master’s degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 4 of the required years of experience.
Doctorate degree in physical science, environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource engineering, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for 5 of the required years of experience.
Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following desired attributes:
Demonstrated understanding of environmental justice and the historical impacts for marginalized and underrepresented communities; ability to take personal responsibility for increasing their knowledge of environmental justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Expert experience and knowledge in source operations, compliance inspection methods, and source permitting, including the ability to correctly interpret and implement NSPS, state NSR/PSD, BACT, MACT, and other requirements and standards.
Expert knowledge of Title V and ACDP industrial sources, all applicable state and federal regulations, facility processes, and pollution control equipment.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to provide clear, concise, and compelling communication of policy and technical information tailored to the needs of diverse audiences; skill in writing and presenting clear and concise reports that include qualitative and quantitative analyses, recommendations, and conclusions to diverse audiences.
Experience conducting in-depth research and making compliance determinations and moving forward with enforcement processes when appropriate, preferably regarding air quality regulations.
Demonstrated experience building and fostering relationships with a diverse group of partners including colleagues, interested parties, communities, organizations, and businesses.
Skill in conflict resolution, negotiation, collaboration, and engagement; strong interpersonal skills with an ability to break down traditional barriers that exist between programs, challenging people to take a coordinated rather than independent perspective.
Demonstrated emotional intelligence and capacity to work well in a team environment and with diverse interest parties.
Ability to maintain Visible Emissions Certification.
Working Conditions DEQ believes in a diverse and inclusive work environment. All employees are expected to contribute to a work environment that collectively values and benefits from respecting its diversity and promotes a culture of inclusiveness.
This position will be based out of DEQ’s Eugene, Medford, or Salem office, however, the successful candidate may be eligible for hybrid work. The logistics of hybrid work will need to be worked out with the Hiring Manager prior to your hire and may be changed at any time given specific job duties and business needs. DEQ will provide necessary hardware (laptop, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and cell phone) for an employee to successfully work from home. At DEQ sites, you will have access to a workspace, however, it may be shared with other employees.
This position requires regular statewide to attend meetings, trainings, public hearings, conferences, and seminars, and to conduct field visits, some of which may involve extended work hours, overnight stays, and/or weekend work. During field visits, there is the potential for exposure to inclement weather, pollutants, chemicals, contaminated soil and water, fumes, and airborne contaminants.
How to Apply (complete the application in full)
External Applicants: Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. View this external candidate job aid and a video for additional information.
Internal Applicants: Apply through your employee Workday account. View this knowledge article for assistance.
Helpful Tips
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete and submit the application.
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.
Workday will timeout after 15 minutes of inactivity.
This posting closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.
Please save a copy of the job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job posting closes.
Be sure to check both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment.
Workday performs best in Google Chrome.
Resources and a Job Support Page are available.
Help Your Application Rise to the Top!
Your application materials are the perfect opportunity to highlight your interest in the position and showcase your amazing skills and experience. In addition to your related work experience and education, the agency will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials.
Interested in hearing about future opportunities with DEQ? Subscribe for weekly e-mail updates.
Veterans Information DEQ provides veterans’ preference points to all eligible veterans. For more information on veterans’ preference, please visit Veterans Resources, or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666. For privacy reasons, please do not attach veterans’ preference documents when initially applying.
Equal Pay Analysis We comply with HB 2005 and do not discriminate on the basis of protected class in pay. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range; if the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%. See the Classification and Compensation page for details.
Work Authorization DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will complete the US DHS Form I-9 and present documents within three business days. DEQ is an E-Verify employer.
Questions/Need Help? If you have questions about the recruitment or need assistance to participate in the application process, including an ADA accommodation, please contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team at jobs@deq.oregon.gov or 503-229-5107.
#J-18808-Ljbffr