Assistant Watermaster

About the Oregon Water Resources Department 

The Oregon Water Resources Department is committed to creating a workplace culture that understands and appreciates differences among people and is welcoming and inclusive to all. By fostering fairness and equity in its work culture, the Department strives to improve services for all Oregonians. We acknowledge that not all people have experienced equitable opportunities or fair treatment. We are committed to increasing our awareness and understanding of historic injustices and building a foundation for meaningful change. We value a wide range of professional and lived experiences, and people of underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Our Vision 

• The vision of the Oregon Water Resources Department is to assure sufficient and sustainable water supplies are available to meet current and future needs. 

Core Values 

• Integrity – We are accountable for all that we do.  We act with honesty and promote transparency. 
  Service – We are dedicated to providing outstanding service and treating everyone equitably in our management and stewardship of state resources. 
• Technical Excellence – We base our resource decisions on law, science, and expertise. 
• Teamwork – We are united in our mission, relying on one another and working together with the communities we serve. 
• Forward-Looking – We seek innovative and practical solutions to the water challenges of today and tomorrow.  

2019-2024 Strategic Plan 

The Oregon Water Resources Department’s strategic priorities for 2019-2024 are to: 

• Modernize our management of Oregon’s surface water and groundwater resources to meet instream and out-of-stream uses 
• Work to secure Oregon’s instream and out-of-stream water future in the face of increasing water scarcity 
• Foster a forward-looking team dedicated to serving Oregonians with integrity and excellence 

The East Region Field Office is hiring a permanent, full-time Assistant Watermaster (Natural Resource Specialist 2 with an underfill option Natural Resource Specialist 1) for our Canyon City, Burns or Baker City location! 

This is an exciting opportunity to choose a unique location and explore a career opportunity close to a wide variety of outdoor recreation and sightseeing activities. These are quiet, rural communities located right along the Historic Oregon trail. The successful candidate can find a plethora of fishing, hunting, hiking. These locations are home to diverse landscapes which can include deserts, rivers, and forests full of wildlife. Each of these locations hold their own unique opportunities for fun and comfortable living.

About the position  

The Assistant Watermaster role is critical in responding to water right disputes, informational inquiries and complaints in a timely manner thus preventing potential loss of crops, life or property and will be pivotal in assisting the Watermaster in responding to water distribution needs and enforcing water law.  

This role will respond to distribution complaints and conflicts by researching water rights, determining proper distribution, and implementing required regulation, under the general guidance and supervision of the Watermaster or Region Manager, while maintaining a strong working knowledge of water law, court decrees, water right records, property legal descriptions, administrative rules, agency policy and physical aspects of water rights. This position is responsible for preparing reports and evidence for Watermaster and Region Manager when formal enforcement procedures are needed. The person in this position will work with water users and require installation of measuring devices on significant diversions consistent with Department Goals. 

This position will also assist the Watermaster in responding to groundwater complaints by compiling information relative to the complaint, researching well information and working with the Department’s hydrogeologists.  This position will address complaints associated with alleged water use violations, coordinate with State and local code and law enforcement authorities, and review and compile data associated with water use and cannabis production sites through research and onsite investigations. 

The Assistant Watermaster will also work in the field to collect and compile a variety of hydrologic data and will require knowledge of hydrographic techniques in all phases of streamflow record production. This position will work with surface water to make streamflow measurements of canals and streams and at gaging stations in compliance with measurement program standards; service, maintain, and repair gaging stations. This position will also handle groundwater, including measurements of water levels in wells, determine well location and ownership, and tie well logs to the proper tax lot.  This position will work with the Department’s hydrogeologists to assist with ground water studies, including initial assessment of data collection wells and collection of groundwater level data and assist and provide guidance to water users on the proper installation of measuring devices. 

Another important duty of this position will be to assist the public in researching water right records, well records, and hydrographic records. Including preparing and maintaining summaries of hydrographic records on a computer database for distribution to the public. 

•  Working Title: Assistant Watermaster   
• Classification: Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)/ Underfill Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)  
• Position Type: Permanent, Full Time 
• Representation: This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Eligible for overtime and compensatory time 
• Monthly Compensation:  Natural Resource Specialist 2, $4,338.00-$6,635.00 Before PERS* | $4,639.00-$7,097.00 After PERS*   Underfill Natural Resource Specialist 1, $4,138.00-$5,747.00 Before PERS* | $4,425.00-$6,146.00 After PERS* 
• *Please note there per the recent SEIU bargaining there will be a cost-of-living adjustment of 6.55% on December 1, 2024, to all union-represented employees. The rate above does not reflect this increase.  
• Work Location: Canyon City, Burns, or Baker City (successful candidates’ preference)
  Primarily onsite, frequently in the field; with some hybrid/remote work options. Some in-state travel is required with infrequent overnight travel.  
• Relocation Assistance:  This position may be eligible for moving expenses for the successful candidate. The final amount offered will vary based on the location of the candidate.      
• This position is being offered as an underfill opportunity. If the successful candidate is hired on as an NRS 1 underfill, once they meet the minimum qualifications for NRS2 their position and salary will automatically be adjusted.  

Minimum Qualifications – Natural Resource Specialist 2   

• Two years of experience related to natural resource management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, or three additional years of pertinent experience;  

OR 

• One year of experience in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, and a Master’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area. 

Pertinent experience must include activities such as: 

• Gathering and analyzing natural resource data and/or coordinating monitoring efforts for a natural resource program; and 
• Providing technical assistance to the public in a natural resource program explaining laws, rules, and regulations, answering questions, help the public navigate and comply with agency procedures. Positions that primarily include navigating agricultural, GIS, and field research activities may also be considered as relevant experience.

Underfill Option Minimum Qualifications – Natural Resource Specialist 1  

Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, OR three years of pertinent experience. 

Pertinent experience must include activities such as: 

• Gathering and analyzing natural resource data and/or coordinating monitoring efforts for a natural resource program; and 
• Providing technical assistance to the public in a natural resource program explaining laws, rules, and regulations, answering questions, help the public navigate and comply with agency procedures. Positions that primarily include navigating agricultural, GIS, and field research activities may also be considered as relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Technology – Experience using ArcGIS, SQL, Python, or other similar GIS, database, or programming languages and software is desirable but not required. Familiarity with field data collection, mobile GPS and tablets.  
• Communication – Ability to de-escalate situations and communicate controversial and complex subjects with community partners and the public both verbally and in writing.  Facilitates working groups between state agencies and stakeholders providing technical assistance.  
• Excellent organization skills – You can keep track of project progress, timelines, deadlines, and deliverables, while also coordinating with project partners. 
• Teamwork – Watermasters work in a high paced field environment coordinating work with other field staff under the guidance of the Region Manager.  
• Conflict resolution – Field Services staff manage the waters of the State through equitable distribution of education and enforcement.  Experience managing interpersonal conflicts, developing community relations and negotiation is preferred.  
• Natural resources – Experience working with and in the natural resources field. A background in water resources, and knowledge of water laws and water management is preferred.  
• Field work – Experience operating and maintaining water measurement equipment, conducting surveys, performing streamflow measurements and using hand and power tools to achieve deliverables in the field is preferred. Familiarity with maps, GPS and remote navigation are also preferred.  
• Statute and rules – Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and use statutes, rules, and policies related to natural resources management and apply these to achieve compliance with Oregon Water Law.  
• Equity and environmental justice – You are informed and engaged with issues of equity and environmental justice and seek to continue to learn and grow in these areas.  

Note:  In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use both the minimum and desired qualifications above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure all your relevant qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials. Your application materials may be evaluated on spelling, grammar, punctuation, attention to detail, and presentation. 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 preferred qualifications. If you are excited about this position, we encourage you to apply. If you are unsure as to whether you meet the preferred qualifications of this position, please contact us to discuss your application.  

Working Conditions  

These positions require a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.  Work with people who often get irate when their water diversion works are regulated. This happens daily during times of water distribution and complaint investigation. Required to make streamflow measurements. Must tolerate wading in swift, cold streams and work in environments with noxious weeds, insects, and varying climates. Depending on territory job may occasionally involve the use of snowshoes, cross country skis, all-terrain vehicles or other field equipment.  Occasionally conduct stream discharge measurements during flood conditions from bridges or stream banks.  Is often alone in remote areas with little to no supervision.  Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds. 

Some Benefits of Working with us    

 We offer a competitive benefits package that includes:  

• Exceptional medical, vision and dental plans with employees paying 1-5% of the total rate.  
• Leave accrual starting at 8 hours of sick and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years.  
• Access to an additional four days of discretionary leave – 3 days of personal business leave and one day of Special Leave to use at your discretion each year.  
• Eleven paid holidays per year.  
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including a pension and employer contributions to the Individual Account Program.   
• Optional benefits (such as term life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, long-term care, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, enrollment in the Oregon Savings Growth Plan, a deferred compensation program with a wide variety of investment options).  
• The opportunity to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must qualify).   
• You can find a summary of employee benefits here: Benefits Memo.pdf (oregon.gov). 

Application Requirements   

Provide a brief resume indicating your experience pertinent to the required and desired qualifications in this announcement.  

Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. If you have questions about this job posting, please contact Human Resources at WRD_DL_HR@water.oregon.gov.  

Current State of Oregon employees must apply through your employee Workday account.  

Important Information   
    
PERS Salary Information    
    
* NON-PERS ELIGIBLE (Includes most new hires to state government. Employees typically gain PERS eligibility after six months of state service. PERS ELIGIBLE (Typically current or former employees of Oregon state or local government, public schools, universities, etc.) The salary listed will state base monthly salary, which is BEFORE PERS. 

Accommodations  

If you need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation request under the American with Disabilities Act, we invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions please contact our HR team at wrd_dl_hr@water.oregon.gov.  

Future Vacancies       

•  This applicant pool may be used to fill additional vacancies as they occur over the next three (3) months.  

Work Authorization 

The Oregon Water Resources Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.      

Veterans   

If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans’ preference points will be added to your score. For more information on veterans’ preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org and select Veterans resources under Resources. Please do not attach veteran documentation to your initial application, after you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time.   

Application Review Process  

In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use both the minimum and desired qualifications above to determine whom to interview. Please make sure all your relevant qualifications are clearly demonstrated in your application materials. Your application materials may be evaluated on spelling, grammar, punctuation, attention to detail, and presentation.   
   
The Oregon Water Resources Department is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity.