The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, or physical or mental disability. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 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 preferred qualification. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether or not you meet the qualifications of this position, please contact us to discuss your application.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Senior Research Analyst – Environmental Justice (Research Analyst 3) in Portland, Oregon.

Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality. In recognition that individuals and communities experience unequal protection from environmental pollution, the State of Oregon established the Environmental Justice Council with the mission to ensure equal protection from environmental and health risks and ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement in decision making of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration status, income, or other identities with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies that affect the environment in which people live, work, learn, and practice spirituality and culture.

The Environmental Justice Council, in consultation with communities, research institutions, and state agencies, is charged with developing an environmental justice mapping tool. The purpose of the mapping tool is to assist the public and government agencies in understanding disparate environmental burdens that currently exist and that may develop in the future. This geospatial analysis includes an understanding of the current socio-economic makeup of communities, the health conditions that exist within those communities, and the air, land, and water pollution impacts that communities face (and may face in the future). In developing this mapping tool, the council is directed to conduct an inclusive community engagement process to receive input from communities across this state and to consult with natural resource agencies.

What you will do!

You will lead DEQ’s work in the development and maintenance of technical and analytical services, tools, and products for implementing HB 4077 (2022) with regard to environmental justice mapping. You will work closely with the Environmental Justice Council, DEQ staff, the Oregon Health Authority, Portland State University (Population Research Center), and Oregon State University (Institute for Natural Resources). You will coordinate and lead DEQ’s data acquisition, integration, summarization, and visualization efforts and related activities within a multi-entity team working to develop the technical elements outlined in HB4077. You will serve as DEQ’s technical lead for the environmental justice mapping tool and serve as a key consultative informaticist for DEQ in integrating environmental justice into specific programs.

What’s in it for you!

This is a full-time, AFSCME represented position.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

What are we looking for?

Minimum Qualifications: 4 years of research experience using computerized applications to independently gather, compile, and analyze data, and prepare narrative or statistical reports. A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline that included 6 quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures may substitute for 3 of the required years of experience.

Candidates who are most competitive will also reflect the following:

• Proficiency with the following computer applications and OS platforms: Microsoft Office Suite, analytic applications (ex: R, SAS, and/or SPSS), GIS software (ex: ArcGIS), database software (ex: Access and SQL-Server), and data visualization software (ex: R, Tableau, and Microsoft PowerBl); knowledge of specialized computer data querying, structure, and scripting language (ex: SQL and XML).
• Excellent verbal and written communications; experience in writing for and speaking with audiences interested in environmental justice, environmental impact analysis, and community public health.
• Experience writing articles for peer-reviewed scientific journals and government technical reports; experience presenting at technical meetings; ability to translate technic al data and analysis for lay audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership skills; experience with project management.
• Experience working with diverse groups and communities; skill and experience in communication and outreach to underrepresented communities; ability to build partnerships across diverse community and stakeholder groups and interests.
• Environmental science or natural resources background.
• Highly proficient in data acquisition, integration, summarization, and visualization.

Working Conditions:

Work is primarily in a fast-paced professional office with multiple demands on time. This position will report to DEQ’s Headquarters office in Portland as their central workplace. DEQ may allow hybrid work environment opportunities that would need to be discussed with and approved by the DEQ manager prior to hiring. This position requires occasional travel on official State business in- and out-of-state for meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, site visits, and public hearings, some of which may be held in the evenings and involve overnight stays.

How to Apply: (complete the application in full)

• External Applicants Click on the “Apply” button and submit your application. Click this link for the External Candidate job aid, and view this video for additional information.
• Internal Applicants (current State of Oregon employees): Apply through your employee Workday account.  View this job aid for assistance.

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Please Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, DEQ will use the desired attributes and minimum qualifications above, under the “What are we looking for?” section to determine whom to interview. Please make sure your attributes and minimum qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application material.

Veterans Information:

Pay Equity:

Work Authorization:

DEQ does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. DEQ is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

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