Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

State of Oregon • Pendleton | OWRD, KY

1d • $4,738 - $7,247 • Hybrid

About The Position

If you are someone who thrives at the intersection of natural resource management, collaborative problem‑solving, and hands‑on fieldwork, this role could be perfect for you! The ideal candidate for this position would be a professional who understands the complexity of water systems and who is energized by the challenge of balancing ecological needs with community and agricultural priorities. As an Assistant Watermaster in the North Central Region, you will play a vital role in enforcing water law, protecting both instream and out‑of‑stream water rights, gathering essential hydrologic data, and ensuring the safe construction and management of wells and dams. Your work will directly support Oregonians across the state, from those who rely on water for agriculture to those who value the recreational and ecological benefits of healthy streamflow’s. Representing the agency in a field‑based capacity, you will respond to water right disputes, public inquiries, and complaints with professionalism and timeliness. In this role, you will embody our core values through respectful communication, strong customer service, effective teamwork, and collaborative problem‑solving. You will also contribute to a welcoming, inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters positive working relationships across divisions. If you are committed to protecting Oregon’s natural resources and supporting sustainable water management, we invite you to bring your skills and dedication to our team! The Assistant Watermaster serves a critical role within the Field Services Division, representing the agency in the North Central Region and ensuring the fair and lawful distribution of Oregon’s water resources. In this position, the Assistant Watermaster responds to water distribution needs in the region by researching relative rights, determining proper allocation, enforcing water law, and preparing reports or evidence when formal enforcement is required.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in natural resources management, and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, or three additional years of related natural resources management experience; OR one year of experience in natural resources management, and a master's degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area; OR a Doctorate degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area.
• Resume
• Cover letter
• Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your application materials.
• Detailed work and education history.
• Complete the US Department of Homeland Security Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States within three days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working on a natural resources program
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to tactfully handle difficult conversations or disagreements with the regulated community and other water partners.
• Proven ability to manage projects that include coordinating with other governmental agencies and community partners.
• Experience with natural resources field data collection and streamflow measurement processes
• Experience with GIS systems, including ArcMap
• Experience reading maps (road, tax-lot, topography)
• Familiarity with handheld devices, tablets, and/or laptops

Responsibilities

• Enforcing water law
• Protecting both instream and out‑of‑stream water rights
• Gathering essential hydrologic data
• Ensuring the safe construction and management of wells and dams
• Responding to water right disputes, public inquiries, and complaints
• Collecting and compiling hydrologic data, including streamflow measurements, gaging station maintenance and repair, and assisting with processing streamflow records.
• Measuring groundwater levels, verifying well locations and ownership, and preparing data and findings reports.
• Assisting with groundwater studies and preparing data reports in collaboration with department hydrogeologists.
• Supporting the public by helping them research water right, well, and hydrographic records.
• Assisting in well inspections to ensure compliance with construction standards and protect groundwater from waste, contamination, and loss of artesian pressure.

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