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State of Oregon

Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Manufactured Food Specialist)

State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, United States, 97304

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Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Manufactured Food Specialist)

Are you interested in working for an agency that protects Oregon's agriculture, natural resources, working lands, economies, and communities? At the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), our mission is to safeguard, promote, and sustain Oregon's agricultural and natural heritage for future generations. We seek individuals who share this commitment and are eager to contribute to this important mission. If this interests you, we invite you to join our Food Safety Program team as a Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Manufactured Food Specialist). As a Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Manufactured Food Specialist), you play a key role in ensuring the safety and compliance of manufactured food products with regulations related to food safety and sanitation within the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). Inspections and investigations: Conducting routine inspections and investigations of food facilities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including sanitation, food handling, labeling, and processing requirements. Enforcement: Taking enforcement actions to address violations, including but not limited to product disposition, sanitation warning, product embargo, notice of closure, and other actions necessary to appropriate a situation. Complaint investigation: Investigating consumer complaints related to food safety and taking appropriate action. Analysis and evaluation: Interpreting and evaluating scientific and technical data related to food safety, food safety plans, and product specifications. Technical assistance: Serving as the principal expert to provide technical assistance and guidance to administration, staff, advisory committees and food manufacturers on best practices for food safety and regulatory compliance. Emergency response: Responding to foodborne illness outbreaks or other food safety emergencies. Agency Representation: Representing the department at informational meetings, public hearings and before boards or commissions of other local or State agencies. The Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Manufactured Food Specialist) is a full-time, permanent position based in Willamette Valley, Oregon, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). At least three years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or a related field. And a Bachelor's Degree in or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience. A Master's degree in will substitute for up to one year of the required experience. A Doctorate's degree in 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. Must be registered as an Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) by the State Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists, Health Licensing Division, or have the ability to obtain the Oregon REHS license by reciprocity within two years after being hired. Profound knowledge of Food Safety, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Hazard Analysis and Preventive Control systems. Familiarity with Oregon's and federal food safety laws and regulations. Strong attention to detail, record-keeping, and compliance monitoring. Great communication skills including verbal communication with both technical and non-technical customers. Ability to work independently with little or no supervisory direction, often under tight deadlines. Flexibility in schedule required based on program needs with some overnight travel. Spanish language is highly desired. Recruitment Closes: August 17, 2025 1st Round: August 25, 2025 2nd Round if needed: TBA *These dates are approximate and may change. * Approximate start date: TBA 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. Required: Attach a cover letter and resume to your application. Your cover letter should specifically address the requested skills listed in the "requested skills for" section of this job announcement. Using a generic cover letter is likely not going to get you an interview, so please personalize your cover letter. 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. 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. 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. 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. This recruitment may be used to fill current and future Permanent, Limited Duration, Job Rotation and Temporary vacancies as they occur. 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.