Watermaster District 6 (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

State of Oregon • La Grande, OR

1d • $5,458 - $8,352 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Watermaster represents the agency and the Eastern region of the Field Services Division by responding to water rights disputes, informational inquires and complaints and enforcing Oregon Water Law, administrative rules and Water Resource Commission Policies to prevent potential loss of crops, life, property, or aquatic life and protect Oregon’s vital natural resources. A day in the life of a Watermaster could look like: Resolve problems by contacting parties involved and explaining related laws, rules and policies associated with water distribution, water right condition noncompliance, dam safety, and well construction. Mediate disputes if voluntary compliance fails and adjudge them when necessary. Research and interpret water right and well log documents for information needed for distribution, to resolve complaints, and provide information to the public upon request as practical Research and interpret water law, case law, administrative rules, agency policies, and court decrees as appropriate to resolve disputes within assigned geographic area. Distribute available water by controlling the amount of water diverted during times of shortage in accordance with State water laws, water use permit and water right certificate conditions and limitations, policies, internal guidance, etc. Document violations of water usage, permit conditions, well construction and reservoir maintenance observed in the field and implement state-wide enforcement policies through personal contact with the violator(s), written notices, letters, affidavits, etc. Select sites and approve plans for installation of headgates and other controlling devices, gaging stations, staff gages, weirs, flumes and other measuring devices on streams, wells, canals, and pipelines for regulation and enforcement monitoring purposes. Identify water management deficiencies and efficient and effective actions to correct them. Assist the Department in the development of water management and stream restoration programs within assigned area. Work with county planning departments in assigned area as needed to assure that water rights are accurately identified, apportioned and located when land is partitioned. Go out in the field to make flow measurements of canals, streams, rivers and wells using hydrologic data collection instruments and measure water levels in wells to establish water level trends and to monitor established critical ground water areas. This is not an all-encompassing list and varies based on weather conditions, region, legislative needs and business needs.

Requirements

• Three years of experience related to water resource management.
• At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resource 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 Hydrology, Water Resource Management, or a related field or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.
• Pertinent or related experience includes: 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.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Strong interpersonal skills to build and retain relationships and the ability to tactfully handle difficult conversations or disagreements.
• Strong conflict resolution with expert ability to provide technical assistance and help the public navigate and comply with Agency and Statewide procedures and laws.
• Knowledge and experience operating and maintaining water measuring devices, telemetry systems, and in collecting and reporting hydrologic data.
• Experience with digital mapping (ArcMap, CAD) and data collection and verification.
• Experience reading maps (road, tax-lot, topography).
• Knowledge and experience operating water measurement tools, computers, surveying equipment, and hand tools.
• Proven ability working with Local Governments, Watershed Councils, SWCDs, Tribes, water right holders, and other local water partners.
• Strong knowledge of state water law and enforcement procedures.

Responsibilities

• Resolve problems by contacting parties involved and explaining related laws, rules and policies associated with water distribution, water right condition noncompliance, dam safety, and well construction.
• Mediate disputes if voluntary compliance fails and adjudge them when necessary.
• Research and interpret water right and well log documents for information needed for distribution, to resolve complaints, and provide information to the public upon request as practical
• Research and interpret water law, case law, administrative rules, agency policies, and court decrees as appropriate to resolve disputes within assigned geographic area.
• Distribute available water by controlling the amount of water diverted during times of shortage in accordance with State water laws, water use permit and water right certificate conditions and limitations, policies, internal guidance, etc.
• Document violations of water usage, permit conditions, well construction and reservoir maintenance observed in the field and implement state-wide enforcement policies through personal contact with the violator(s), written notices, letters, affidavits, etc.
• Select sites and approve plans for installation of headgates and other controlling devices, gaging stations, staff gages, weirs, flumes and other measuring devices on streams, wells, canals, and pipelines for regulation and enforcement monitoring purposes.
• Identify water management deficiencies and efficient and effective actions to correct them.
• Assist the Department in the development of water management and stream restoration programs within assigned area.
• Work with county planning departments in assigned area as needed to assure that water rights are accurately identified, apportioned and located when land is partitioned.
• Go out in the field to make flow measurements of canals, streams, rivers and wells using hydrologic data collection instruments and measure water levels in wells to establish water level trends and to monitor established critical ground water areas.

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