Water Quality Regional Manager; Natural Resource Protection and Sustainability Manager

Overview

Initial Posting Date: 01/20/2026

Final date to receive applications: 02/03/2026

Agency: Department of Environmental Quality

Salary Range: $7,353 - $11,373

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Water Quality Regional Manager (Natural Resource Protection and Sustainability Manager
2)

Job Description: Note:
Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality strives to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and values diversity. Employees at all levels of the agency work together to foster fairness, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to be a workplace where we share our authentic identities, while advancing our individual professional goals, and while collaborating to protect, preserve, and enhance the environment for current and future generations.

We celebrate and appreciate diversity, champion equity, and treat each other with respect and dignity.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, or physical or mental disability in the administration of our programs and activities.

Are you interested in applying your leadership skills to protect and enhance Oregon’s environment? If so, please consider a career with the State of Oregon at the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). At DEQ, employees have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and supportive team of mission-focused individuals tasked with maintaining, restoring, and enhancing the quality of Oregon’s air, land, and water.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has a full-time opportunity available for a Water Quality Regional Manager (Natural Resource Protection and Sustainability Manager
2). This position is based out of Coos Bay, Eugene, Medford, or Salem, Oregon (finalist may choose work location).

Please consider joining an innovative team, and work to advance our agency’s mission to protect and improve Oregon’s environmental quality.

You will lead and manage the Western Region’s environmental programs related primarily to TMDL and nonpoint source water quality activities and regional stormwater permitting and compliance activities. Your work will include contributing to, and collaborating on, development of statewide program goals and objectives and development of regional and staff-specific goals. You will identify, prioritize, and schedule work; hire, manage, lead, and coach technical and professional staff;

resolve difficult technical and/or administrative problems; monitor goal progress; and track and ensure timeliness and responsiveness to the public and regulated community.

As a State supervisory manager, you will be expected to develop proficiency in, as well as model to others, the State of Oregon Enterprise Values and

Competencies:

Business Acumen, Communication, Innovation, Intentional Engagement, Mentoring & Developing Others, and Stewardship.

DEQ cares deeply about employee wellness and benefits. You will receive a comprehensive, competitive, and affordable benefits, leave, and wellness package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 11 paid holidays
• 10 hours of vacation per month, eligible to be used as accrued
• 8 hours of sick leave per month, eligible to be used as accrued
• 24 hours of personal business leave per fiscal year, eligible to be used after 6 months of service
• Optional life insurance packages
• Flexible spending accounts
• Membership in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• Optional deferred compensation retirement program
• Opportunity to potentially receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Continuous growth and development opportunities
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work
• A healthy work/life balance, including flexible schedules and hybrid work options for many positions

This is a…