Environmental Specialist I or II

Eugene Water and Electric Board; Eugene (OR); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) seeks an Environmental Specialist I or II to develop and implement plans to manage environmental impacts, improve performance, and extend the reach of EWEB’s environmental programs. The team emphasizes learning and ownership in a supportive environment as regulations evolve.

The role covers field response, water/air quality monitoring, permit management, and data systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, physical science, engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with environmental issues and project management.
• Knowledge of environmental laws and permits relevant to utilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide field response during environmental emergencies and spill response, train staff, and ensure compliance.
• Monitor water and air quality, map field data, and document data into databases or GIS.
• Support development and maintenance of environmental permitting programs and compliance tracking.

Skills

Critical thinking

Complex problem solving

Systems analysis

Data analysis

Writing

Communication

Relationship building

Cultural competency

Project management

Education

Bachelors in environmental studies, physical science, engineering, or related field

Tools

GIS

Databases

Job description

This position opens on November 6, 2026, and will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will occur on November 23, 2026.

The Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) is seeking an EnvironmentalSpecialist I or II to develop, recommend and implement plans, strategies, programs, and projects to manage or mitigate for operational environmental impacts, improve environmental performance and leverage other resources to extend the reach and value of EWEB's environmental management strategies.

The Environmental department is a welcoming and supportive team that is passionate about the work we do. We work within a culture of learning and empowerment as there are always new emerging issues or regulations to learn/act on and as a small group each member is empowered to take ownership of their work.

Key Responsibilities

Environmental Specialist I job duties include:

• Provides field response during environmental emergencies/spill response; develops procedures and provides training to assure compliance; performs environmental audits; conducts hazardous waste determinations; and coordinates hazardous waste and special waste disposal.
• Provides water and air quality monitoring and reporting, field mapping, documentation of field data into databases or GIS; integrates water quality, stream flow, water rights, and industrial facility permits with other non-point source data.
• Participates as directed in implementing utility-wide environmental permitting programs including tasks such as joint permit applications, project resource reviews, onsite construction monitoring, and/or development and implementation of wetland mitigation/monitoring requirements.
• Assists staff in ensuring that EWEB-owned hydro facilities are fully compliant by monitoring compliance issues; coordinates and prepares necessary license and permit needs of construction and operational activities; audits ongoing compliance activities; and attends regulatory and resource agency inspections. Develops and uses compliance database and keeps compliance task items updated.
• Assists with development and maintenance of compliance tracking systems and employee education programs.

Environmental Specialist II job duties also include:

• Manages communication with outside agencies with Senior and/or Principal Environmental Specialists.
• Manages all aspects of large complex projects that consist of multiple tasks and relate to larger programs being managed by Senior or Principal Environmental Specialists. Designs and develops data management systems for large projects. Ensures other data from tasks/projects feed larger data management structure.
• Manages RFP, bidding and selection process for contractors at the project level. Works with partners and stakeholders for successful project outcomes. Assists Senior and/or Principal with design and facilitation of meetings that further program reach and understanding by others.
• Provide technical support for other Environmental staff on one or several projects such as design or procedural problems and recommendations for solutions; assist with implementation and may provide technical advice for management and monitoring programs. May assist with training of EWEB Operations staff on environmental matters.

What You’ll Bring

This position calls for a strong attention to detail, organizational skills, the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities, and a commitment to being a flexible and supportive team player. The successful candidate will also have:

Experience or knowledge in some or all of the following areas:

• Public health impacts of hazardous wastes and toxic substances and personal protection requirements.
• Environmental and land use laws, rules, regulations, standards, and requirements.
• Wetland regulations and mitigation design and familiarity with ACOE/DSL permit requirements.
• Environmental management systems theory and practices.

Skills in:

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Data Analysis – Including spreadsheet analysis, GIS data inquiry and familiarity with data validation processes.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Ability to:

• Effectively communicate complex environmental issues to individuals who are less knowledgeable, both in writing and verbally.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with employees, regulatory agencies, consultants, and the general public.
• Demonstrate cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities.
• Organize, administer, and manage projects.
• Walk, hike, or stand for long periods, and to carry, deploy, and collect equipment and materials (up to 40 lbs.) on uneven, rugged, and slippery terrain, in varying weather conditions, and sometimes in remote locations.

Location: This position is based inEugene, Oregon, and has been approved as a hybrid work arrangement involving a combination of telecommuting and working onsite. The selected candidate must live in the state of Oregon.

The starting annual salary for this position is commensurate with knowledge, skills, education, and experience as it relates to the position:

Environmental Specialist I – $79,410.19 to $99,262.74

Environmental Specialist II – $91,927.22 to $114,909.03

The base pay offered will be established based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge and skills, relevant experience, and internal equity. Consistent with EWEB’s compensation philosophy, it is not customary to place individuals at the high end of the salary range at the time of hire. Compensation decisions are made holistically to support fair, consistent, and equitable pay practices, taking into account the specific circumstances of each position and candidate.

EWEB will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience when reviewing applications. Candidates who do not meet all the minimum qualifications, but whose application materials demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be successful in the position, are encouraged to apply. We understand that valuable experience can be gained through various avenues, and we value diverse experiences and unique perspectives.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, physical science, engineering, or a related field.

Minimum Experience: Three years’ experience with projects or programs regarding environmental issues.

Recommended Qualifications: FERC Hydro licensing and compliance knowledge; experience working for a utility.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, physical science, engineering, or a related field.

Minimum Experience: Five years’ experience with projects or programs regarding environmental issues.

Recommended Qualifications: FERC Hydro licensing and compliance knowledge; experience working for a utility.

Licenses/Certifications: None required.

Trainings: 40-hr HAZWOPER Training required within six months

Professional license or registration: No

Post-offer background check required: Yes

Post-offer physical / functional test required: No

Please Note: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. EWEB is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Supplemental Questions

The application for this position includes supplemental questions. Your responses will be scored and used to determine if you will proceed to the next step of the selection process. Provide detailed answers to each question. Please do not reference your resume or application in your responses. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Why Choose EWEB?

EWEB offers employees a progressive work culture devoted to providing excellent public service. Our employees work in a fast-paced environment where creativity, innovation, involvement, teamwork, and professional development are supported and encouraged. EWEB is also committed to providing a work environment conducive to the safety, health, and well-being of its workforce, and offers great benefits, including but not limited to health care, vacation and sick leave, pension, holidays, and employee credit union. We consistently rank within the top 100 healthiest employers in the nation!

EWEB takes pride in our commitment to diversity and inclusion among our employees. We embrace and value differences of culture, education, experience, physical ability, and unique perspectives in our workplace. We invite applications from qualified candidates who share our commitment to diversity. Attracting, retaining, and advancing talent from all sources strengthens our bond with the multifaceted community we serve.

Tobacco, Smoke, and Vapor-Free Campus Policy

EWEB fosters an environment promoting good health for both employees and the public. We want to enhance the quality of air, appearance, and employee health in and around EWEB facilities and equipment. Employees, contractors, volunteers, and visitors may not use, distribute, or sell tobacco while participating in EWEB functions, on EWEB property, or while performing right-of-way tasks.

Other Requirements

This description is intended to represent key areas of responsibility. It is not meant to be all inclusive and does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Nothing in this description restricts EWEB's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Job descriptions may occasionally be updated, as necessary, to reflect evolving business needs.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Environmental and Earth Science.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.