Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Online & Retail Inspector)

Initial Posting Date:

09/04/2025

Application Deadline:

09/14/2025

Agency:

Department of Agriculture

Salary Range:

$3,951 - $5,736

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Online & Retail Inspector)

Job Description:

The Plant Protection & Conservation Division (PPCD) Area is recruiting for an Online & Retail Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 1), if you have a horticultural background, great customer service skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external customers, apply today.

Learn more about the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA):                         

At ODA, employees work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with ensuring healthy natural resources, environment, and economy for Oregonians now and in the future through inspection and certification, regulation, and promotion of agriculture and food. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are embedded in ODA’s core values. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Learn more about what we do here!

What you’ll be doing:

The Online & Retail Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 1) will support the Plant Division’s efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plant pests through nursery stock pathways. This position ensures compliance with Oregon’s state and federal phytosanitary laws by monitoring nursery stock imports at retail chain stores and reviewing online plant sales.

• Inspecting garden centers and retail outlets to verify compliance with phytosanitary documentation and quarantine requirements.

• Monitoring online plant marketplaces and e-commerce platforms for the sale of prohibited or regulated plant material.

• Engaging with internet-based vendors and retail store managers to provide education on regulatory requirements and corrective actions.

• Identifying high-risk pest introduction pathways and assisting in prioritizing enforcement and outreach efforts.

• Supporting the Plant Division’s mission to safeguard Oregon’s agricultural and natural resources through proactive compliance and prevention activities.

• The Online & Retail Inspector (Natural Resource Specialist 1) full-time limited duration position, located in Salem, Oregon with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2026.

Click here to view a full description of this position.

What we’re looking for:

A bachelor's degree in Plant Pathology, Information Technology, or Business Administration, or related degree

OR

Three years of experience with natural resources, information technology or inspections or related area of experience.

Prefer Skills

Attention to Detail – Demonstrates strong accuracy and thoroughness in documenting investigative information and ensuring records are precise and complete.

Collaborative Teamwork – Works productively with colleagues across the agency, fostering cooperation and clear communication to achieve organizational goals.

Time and Priority Management – Effectively manages deadlines, adapts to changing priorities, and maintains productivity under varying workload demands.

Technical Proficiency – Skilled in creating reports and presentations using appropriate software; experienced in developing and maintaining databases; proficient in searching and analyzing information across multiple forms of social media.

Outreach and Education – Possesses experience in delivering outreach and educational efforts, effectively communicating complex information to diverse audiences.

Professional Composure – Demonstrates the ability to manage stress appropriately and maintain positive, respectful interactions with coworkers, stakeholders, and the public.

Customer Service Orientation – Approaches agency customers with openness and professionalism; works to identify solutions, educates customers on the importance of required actions, and assists in compliance with established regulations and procedures.

Projected Recruitment Timeline

• Recruitment Closes: September 14, 2025

• 1st Round September 22, 2025

• 2nd Round if needed: TBA

*These dates are approximate and may change. *

• Approximate start date

** 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 and 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.

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.