Environmental Law Specialist; Environmental Law Specialist – Two

Overview

Position Title Environmental Law Specialist (Environmental Law Specialist) – Two Openings
Initial Posting Date: 01/15/2026
Final date to receive applications: 01/29/2026
Agency:
Department of Environmental Quality
Salary Range: $6,732 - $10,335
Position Type:
Employee

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is the primary regulatory agency responsible for protecting and enhancing the state's natural resources. The Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE) has statewide responsibility for issuing formal enforcement actions, including civil penalties and corrective actions, against violators of environmental laws, rules, and permits. This position is located at DEQ Headquarters within the Office of the Director.

You will analyze and evaluate facts and evidence, apply rules, laws, and policies; review the violator’s compliance history; refine cases; develop enforcement or compliance strategy; write legal documents to initiate and conclude formal enforcement proceedings; prepare cases for contested case hearings and appeals to the EQC and Court of Appeals; act as the Department’s lay representative in contested case hearings and before the EQC;

meet with violators and/or their attorneys; and negotiate and draft settlements and consent orders. You will also provide advice and assistance to DEQ staff and assist Divisions in developing enforceable rules, permits, and policies to ensure compliance and deterrence.

The opportunity to work in a productive and creative environment where no two days are the same. DEQ offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and qualified family members, paid sick leave, vacation leave, personal leave, and 11 paid holidays per year. We offer membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and potential eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

What are we looking for?

• 6 years of experience in an environmental or natural resources agency drafting and handling enforcement cases (civil penalties and orders) against violators of statutes, rules, and permits; OR
• A JD with coursework in environmental and natural resources law; OR
• A JD degree with 1 year of full-time experience in administrative, environmental, or natural resources law analyzing, researching, and drafting legal documents, as well as evaluating evidence and interviewing clients

• Understanding of the Clean Water Act and/or Oregon’s water quality statutes, including NPDES permits.
• Understanding of environmental justice and the impacts on marginalized communities; commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• General knowledge of legal concepts and principles; knowledge of environmental and administrative law processes.
• Ability to develop case-specific enforcement strategy with independent, creative work.
• Experience in a public sector legal environment and in settlement discussions and negotiations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to tailor policy and technical information for diverse audiences; clear reporting with qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Skill representing an organization in meetings, hearings, or negotiations.
• Strong research and policy analysis skills; experience in conflict resolution, negotiation, collaboration, and engagement; ability to foster cross-program coordination.

This position will be based at DEQ’s Headquarters in Portland, with potential for hybrid work. Hardware will be provided. Some travel may be statewide and may include evenings, weekends, or overnight stays.

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If you have questions about the recruitment or need ADA accommodations, contact DEQ’s Recruitment Team  or . TTY users: