Initial Posting Date:
10/31/2025Application Deadline:
11/16/2025Agency:
Department of AgricultureSalary Range:
$5,325 - $8,148Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Field Coordinator for Phytopthora ramorum)Job Description:
We’re recruiting for a Field Coordinator for Phytopthora ramorum (Natural Resource Specialist 3), if you have a horticultural background, great customer service skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external customers, apply today.
In this position you will:
The Field Coordinator for Phytopthora ramorum (Natural Resource Specialist 3) you will serve the nursery industry by coordinating and overseeing field activities related to the USDA’s Phytophthora ramorum Nursery Program. You are responsible for helping nurseries in the program to develop mitigation plans specific to their operations. This position will audit participating nurseries to ensure compliance with mitigation plans and recommend corrective actions when necessary. This position will work up to 80% of the time in the field at various locations throughout the state. Overnight travel will occasionally be required.
Serve licensed nurseries and occasionally Christmas tree growers.
Conduct inspections and surveys independently or as part of a team.
Oversee destruction of infested plant material and verify that required mitigation actions are completed.
Provide recommendations and directions for the exclusion, control, and eradication of injurious plant pests of economic interest to the nursery and Christmas tree industries.
Serve as a subject matter expert on organisms, such as Phytophthora ramorum, that are of regulatory concern to Oregon and the greater United States.
Enforce compliance of Oregon horticultural law, interstate, federal, and international plant quarantine import/export rules.
Provide import/export information and certify shipments of plant material as officially required interstate, intrastate, or international movement.
The Field Coordinator for Phytopthora ramorum (Natural Resource Specialist 3) is a full-time permanent position, work location will be in Salem, Oregon.
Click here to view a full description of this position.
What we’re looking for:
Three years of experience in natural resources. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities 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 a Natural Resource related education.
OR a total of six years of related (pertinent) experience.
NOTE: A Master's degree in a Natural Resource related education will substitute for up to one year of the required experience. A Doctorate degree in a Natural Resource related education will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
Must have a current and valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Prefer Skills
Highly self-motivated and capable of taking initiative.
Able to plan and organize their own work and exercise sound judgment.
Effective working both independently and as part of a team.
Skilled in oral and written communication, organization, and collaboration.
Experienced in technical writing, such as preparing state or federal grant progress reports (preferred).
Proficient with Microsoft 365 applications (e.g., Teams, Calendar, Planner) is desired.
Have a working knowledge of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Knowledgeable of plant pathology principals.
Able to efficiently manage data.
Projected Recruitment Timeline
Recruitment Closes: November 16, 2025
1st Round December 1, 2025
2nd Round if needed: TBA
*These dates are approximate and may change. *
** 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 requested skills. 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.
How to apply:
Required: Attach a cover letter a resume to your application. Show us how you meet the qualifications and requested skills on your cover letter and resume. Applications without both requested documents attached will not move forward in the recruitment process.
Upon submitting your application, please be sure to check your account for pending questions and tasks such as declaring Veterans' Points and attaching supporting.
Current state employees – please apply through your employee Workday account.
Learn more about the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA):
At ODA, through inspection and certification, the Nursery and Christmas tree program sees that all licensed nursery and Christmas tree growers statewide adhere to federal and state laws, meet quarantine requirements of receiving state and countries and that imported stock is following quarantine compliance. Although this position is aimed primarily at educating nurseries concerning Phytopthora ramorum, it affects all segments of Oregon's agricultural and horticultural communities as well as natural resources in urban and rural environments. This program serves both regulatory and service functions within the agency. Learn more about what we do here!
What’s in it for you?
The State of Oregon offers a competitive and affordable health and benefits package, including excellent medical, vision and dental coverage, paid holidays off, and personal business leave, as well as paid and accrued vacation leave and sick leave. In addition to standard medical benefits and employee leave, the state also provides additional optional benefits, such as basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, deferred compensation savings program, and flexible spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses. More information is available from the Public Employees Benefit Board.
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.
Additional Information:
This position is represented by SEIU.
Current state employees, please apply through your employee Workday account.
Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, an equal pay analysis will be conducted to determine the compensation of the successful candidate. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.
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 the successful candidate, you must present your I-9 acceptable documents (See page 3) for employment verification.
Questions/Need Help?
If you have questions about the recruitment or need an accommodation for the recruitment process, please email to: oda.recruitment@oda.oregon.gov or call 503-986-4584.