Entry Level Environmental Policy Analyst Jobs in Virginia

Are you experienced in Program Operations and passionate about safeguarding wetlands and waterways? Apply to be our next Agency Program Operations Analyst (Operation Analyst 1) by September9,2026.

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote schedule, reporting to our Salem office 4 days per week for the first 2 weeks, and then 1-2 days per week with potential additional days if needed.

This full-time, limited-duration position is open to current State of Oregon employees as well as external candidates. It is also available as a job rotation for current state employees with approval from their supervisor.

The position is expected to continue through June30,2028, and anticipated to become permanent if funding is secured.

Make a Difference for Oregon.

The Department of StateLands manages the lands that help fund our public schools and protects the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide. Our stewardship ensures vital natural and financial resources contribute to a vibrant, healthy Oregon now and forever. The DSL team makes a difference for Oregonians every day. As our Program Operations Analyst you will too.

Lead, coordinate, and evaluate agency-wide activities including, but not limited to, administrative rules coordination, policy development, and records retention. Identify inefficiencies, analyze information and performance of systems, and provide recommendations to improve administrative procedures. The incumbent is expected to perform position duties in a manner that promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships. This includes treating all persons respectfully, engaging in effective working relationships with all staff, demonstrating openness to constructive feedback, and contributing to a positive and productive work environment. It works to increase public awareness of DSL and its programs and builds support among the public, legislators, beneficiaries and constituents. This position will report directly to our main Salem office and is represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Utilize your skills in operations analysis to support Oregon’s oldest agency in protecting our wetlands and waterways. Receive 1-on-1 mentoring and support from natural resource experts. Join an organization with collaborative and engaged co-workers who care about Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities, and their co-workers.

• Gain full benefits with 95% to 99% of medical insurance premiums paid by the agency for full-time employees, including mental health coverage.
• Accrue at least 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.
• Receive 11 paid holidays, 1 floating holiday, 3 personal business days and other employee benefits such as optional insurances and flexible spending plans.
• Automatically enroll into the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) after6months of full-time service.
• Earn the initial monthly salary range for this position starting at $4,519.00–$6,900.00 for employees new to public service; current PERS employees start at $4,833.00–$7,380.00.

Salary offers are made with consideration of the candidate’s education and experience. Visit our Pay Equity and Classification and Compensation pages for more details.

This position is statewide and will report directly to our DSL Salem Office.

Working Conditions: Much of the work is in a hybrid office setting with extensive use of computers, collaborative tools, and video conferencing technology. Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or project activities. Duties that can be successfully performed away from the central workplace may be eligible for remote work with approval. Some duties may require on site presence based on operational needs such as training, business alignment, accommodations, or resource availability. The successful candidate will be in regular contact with executives, managers, staff, and external partners, requiring professionalism, discretion, and effective communication. This position requires the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, work within short time frames, and adapt to shifting priorities. Work often requires coordination across divisions and may involve tight deadlines, frequent interruptions, and occasional in office days in addition to the expected 1-2 days after the first 2 weeks. Employees are expected to uphold State of Oregon and Department of State Lands standards for professionalism, safety, collaboration, and respectful conduct; maintain confidentiality; and contribute to a positive, inclusive, and productive work environment.

• Contributes to a positive and productive work environment.
• Establishes and maintains professional and collaborative working relationships with all contacts.
• Analyze, map, and improve workflow processes across permit, enforcement, leasing, easement, and wetlands programs, including SOPs, forms, and guidance.
• Audit system records (OWLS/Operating System) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; research rules and policies to support consistent program standards.
• Coordinate cross‑program correspondence, develop procedural guidance and templates, and provide training on OWLS and Laserfiche.
• Serve as a liaison across programs and partners, prepare meeting materials, and support public outreach by offering clear, consistent information on DSL processes.
• Extract, analyze, and interpret data from OWLS and other systems to produce operational reports, workload metrics, and trend analyses.
• Maintain data standards, advise staff on correct data entry, and troubleshoot system data issues by identifying root causes and training needs.
• Collaborate with IT and program staff to refine system functionality and respond to inquiries by interpreting data and program policy.
• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; OR Any combination of experience or education equivalent to three years technical-level experience that typically supports the knowledge and skill requirements listed for the classification.
• Candidates must be able to analyze workflows, audit records, coordinate cross‑program communication, provide training, and extract and analyze data to produce reports and support clear outreach.
• Note: A master’s degree can substitute for 1 additional year of experience, and a doctorate degree can substitute for 2 years of additional work experience.
• *DSL may also consider relevant lived experience as part of our inclusive hiring practices.

• Education and/or experience to identify appropriate methods of tracking and analytics for individual and agency-wide projects
• Proficiency in writing to prepare technical memos, formal correspondence, bulletins, and other communication for intern and external partners and the public
• Oral presentation skills sufficient to conduct or assist in conducting training sessions, technical workshops, and public forums
• Iterative thinking style and comfort with dialogue regarding differing perspectives to generate well-rounded group decisions
• Proficiency using Excel including tables and pivot tables with large data sets
• Ability to apply critical thinking and professional judgment to analyze alternatives and interpret laws, regulations, and standards
• Experience working in teams, including internal and external partners, to bring multi‑faced assignments to a successful conclusion
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships across both internal and external teams, including other state agencies, community members, and interested parties
• High level of attention to details and ability to perform detailed analyses of agency programs and performance
• Ability to apply an equity lens to all assigned duties and daily work to ensure decision-making and resource allocation reflect the needs of all Oregonians

For a detailed list of the duties for this position, please email DSL-Human.Resources@DSL.oregon.gov for a copy of the position description.

If you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the application or selection process, please contact DSL-Human.Resources@DSL.oregon.gov and please be sure to include the job requisition number.

The Oregon Department of State Lands is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally, racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse working environment.

The Department hires staff interested in supporting environmental justice by including communities traditionally underrepresented in public processes.

We encourage members of these communities to apply, even if they do not meet 100% of the desired attributes.

The Oregon Department of State Lands understands that an authentic focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace will in turn create a workforce aligned to meet the challenge of serving all Oregonians.

This position is subject to a fingerprint background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. Only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Agency does not offer visa sponsorship.

Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States.

The state of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.

For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

The Oregon Department of State Lands complies with Oregon’s pay equity law.

The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency.

If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move?

Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you’re looking at us from across the country (or beyond!), know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon “flies with her own wings.”

Initial Posting Date: 08/25/2026

Application Deadline: 09/10/2026

Agency: Department of State Lands

Salary Range: $4,833 - $7,380

Position Type: Employee