Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Field Coordinator Phytopthora ramorum)

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.

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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.