Hydroelectric Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

State of Oregon • Salem, OR

8d • $6,276 - $10,318 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Hydroelectric Program Coordinator is responsible for the administrative and technical functions of the program. The program coordinator leads a team of professional staff conducting complex analyses of hydroelectric applications, which include detailed studies of project impacts by project applicants. This person is the coordinator for the Hydroelectric Application Review Team (HART). (The HART is an interagency review team made up of state agency representatives.) As team leader, this position has responsibility to implement a coordinated system for evaluating applications related to hydroelectric power projects in Oregon. The economic and natural resources issues surrounding the licensing of new projects and relicensing of existing projects are often highly controversial and generate statewide interest and concern. As a member and coordinator of HART, this person will need to work closely with people of varying interests to come to consensus on sensitive public issues, manage agreements with agencies and public interest groups, and make policy recommendations to the division administrator on whether new projects should be approved and existing projects should be reauthorized. The person represents the department at informational meetings, public hearings, and before boards or commissions of state or local agencies. The program coordinator will review the work of the other members of the team, edit reports and permits drafted by staff, and prepare reports and permits themselves. Attention to detail and quality control is key. The person needs to be able to independently interpret and evaluate data to figure out the existing or potential effects and risks from existing or proposed hydroelectric projects. This person needs to be able to interpret and apply statutes and rules to ensure actions taken by the agency are consistent with the program's regulatory framework, and to support the agency's work in rulemaking and legislative sessions. Each position supports contested case proceedings and, when applicable, litigation. While all positions are expected to facilitate process improvements, this position is responsible for ensuring the Hydroelectric Program functions efficiently and with consistency. This position should be comfortable with public speaking and with interpreting and conveying fiscal information in order to support the HART's periodic convening of the hydroelectric fee review panel. Work must be performed with our core values in mind. The person in this position must perform duties in a manner which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully; engage in effective team participation through a willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work related associations; develop good working relationships with Division and agency staff through active participation in accomplishing the agency mission and resolving problems in a constructive manner; and contribute to a positive, respectful, and productive work environment.

Requirements

• Four years of experience in natural resources or related field.
• At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resources program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.
• A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field, or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.
• A Master’s degree in natural resources or related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in natural resources or related field will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the practices and principles of the administration of water rights, hydroelectric project licensing and compliance, or another natural resources-based regulatory program.
• Experience applying project management methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating with a variety of people to provide assistance, explain a specific natural resource program or requirements, and gain cooperation to meet program requirements.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality control.
• Demonstrated proficiency in fiscal concepts (e.g., via experience in collection of fees, analysis of funding needs, and/or budget management).
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing data, laws, or existing policies to determine if a project, plan, or program meets relevant requirements.
• Demonstrated skill in writing clear and concise investigative, technical, or narrative reports that include analyses, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Experience reviewing the work products of lower to mid-level staff.
• Experience developing technical guidance, policy, and procedures and providing training where needed.
• Demonstrated skill in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and tactfully handling difficult conversations.
• Possess a positive attitude and can motivate others to perform their best.

Benefits

• PEBB Insurance with exceptional medical, vision and dental plans with employees paying 1 to 5% of the total premium.
• 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 Governor’s Leave 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level