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The North Central Regional Office is hiring an Umatilla River Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 2)!

If you are someone who thrives at the intersection of natural resource management collaborative problemsolving and handson 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. The successful candidate will be stepping into a project with nearly three decades of proven impactone that has transformed instream flows in the Umatilla River and strengthened water reliability for local irrigation districts.

This is a role for someone who fosters collaboration appreciates the responsibility of stewarding shared water resources and is excited to be part of a longstanding highvisibility project with statewide and regional significance. If youre motivated by meaningful environmental outcomes and ready to bring both technical expertise and relationshipbuilding skills to the table please apply today if you are passionate about making contributions that make a lasting difference in the Umatilla Basin.

Working Title:Umatilla River Coordinator

Classification:Natural Resource Specialist 2

Position Type:Permanent Full-Time

Representation:Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime and Compensatory time)

Monthly Compensation: The monthly salary range before PERS* will be $4738-$7247 after PERS* will be$5067-$7751.

Work Location: North Central Regional Office 116 SE Dorion Ave Pendleton OR 97801

Relocation Expense:WRD is prepared to offer relocation assistance to the successful candidate. Successful candidate must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the duty station. This reimbursement package must be requested by the successful candidate and approved before accepting the position. For full applicability of this relocation expense reimbursement you may review the DAS Statewide policy here:

Hybrid/Remote Work: Hybrid/remote work available with approval of the manager.

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.

Our Mission

The Departments mission is to serve the public by practicing and promoting responsible water management through two key goals:

• To directly address Oregons water supply needs
• To restore and protect streamflows and watersheds in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of Oregons ecosystems economy and quality of life

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 Departments strategic priorities for 2019-2024 are to:

• Modernize our management of Oregons surface water and groundwater resources to meet instream and out-of-stream uses
• Work to secure Oregons 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.

About our Team

The North Central Region thrives on a spirit of resilience collaboration and shared purpose. The work is truly meaningful and often changing as we manage water in a landscape shaped by diverse and competing needs changing conditions and with deep cultural significance. Our team shows up every day ready to put in the effort not because the work is easy but because it matters.

What truly defines this region is the way we support one another. No one is left to shoulder tough decisions or complex fieldwork alone. We rely on each others strengths communicate openly and celebrate the winsbig or smallthat come from working as a unified team. That sense of camaraderie extends beyond our office walls. We value the relationships weve built with Tribes water users partner agencies and local communities and we approach those partnerships with respect humility and a commitment to problemsolving together.

In North Central Region the work is complex and we are managing water issues that are shaping and supporting the regions water resources for generations to come. But theres a shared pride in knowing that our collective effort helps is vital water users supports communities and protects a critical resource. Its a place where hard work is expected teamwork is essential and the processcomplex as it may beis genuinely rewarding.

About the Position

The Umatilla River Coordinator (URC) is responsible for managing the State of Oregons obligations to implement the Umatilla Basin Project. The Umatilla Basin Project is a cooperative effort undertaken by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) irrigation districts State of Oregon Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) Federal fishery agencies and Reclamation (USBR) to bolster and maintain in-stream flow targets for fishery enhancement in the Umatilla River.

This unique project has been operational for nearly 30 years and has drastically increased instream flow in the Umatilla River while providing reliable water supplies for 3 participating irrigation accomplish this the URC coordinates and oversees the McKay and Umatilla River Water Use Management Plan including management of the accumulation/rotation agreement in coordination with the Umatilla Basin Watermaster. The URC also prepares all necessary reports as required by the management plan including individual users irrigation districts and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).

Additionally the URC may collect and compile hydrologic data within the Umatilla Basin. This may include making stream flow measurements on canals and streams and at gaging stations in compliance with measurement program standards as well as service maintain and repair gaging stations. The URC often assists the regional hydrographic technician in processing stream flow records as needed.

This role requires a blend of technical skills strong organizational abilities and the ability to coordinate across agencies tribes and community partners. This position managers water use plans oversees rotation agreements prepares essential reports and contributes to the data that drives realworld decisions for the URC and statewide. This role also incorporates fieldwork where this position is tasked to measure stream flows maintain gaging stations and support hydrographic data processing.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of experience in natural resources management and a bachelors 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 masters 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with an Oregon 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.

• Experience driving in rough terrain.

We are most interested in finding the most qualified candidate for the job and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Paid and unpaid 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

Work of this position generally occurs in an office setting and include attending meetings responding to emails and making and receiving phone calls. Work during weekends may also be necessary. This person may encounter people who become irate when their water diversion works are regulated. Must be able to wade in swift cold streams and collect data along and near rivers and canals. Must travel in varied weather and road conditions in motor vehicles snowmobiles or on skis or snowshoes. Required to make stream flood measurements. May work alone in remote areas. Regular attendance is an essential function. Must occasionally lift up to 75 lbs.

Whats in it for you

In addition to offering a culture of care and inclusivity and working among a highly skilled team to dive into meaningful work we also offer a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 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 Governors 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 OregonSavingsGrowth 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).

Application Requirements

Please provide your resume and cover letter for full consideration.

• Provide a cover letter.

• Provide a resume.

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 .

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

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 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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage

The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during the application process (cover letter and resume) and applicant skill assessments examinations and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in immediate disqualification.

HB3187 Statement

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.

The Oregon Water Resources Department is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity.