Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

About the role

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.

• Collecting and compiling hydrologic data, including streamflow measurements, gaging station maintenance and repair, and assisting with processing streamflow records.
• Making stream flood measurements.
• Measuring groundwater levels, verifying well locations and ownership, and preparing data and findings reports.
• Aiding in groundwater studies and preparing data reports in collaboration with department hydrogeologists.
• Assisting the public by helping them research water right, well, and hydrographic records.
• Aiding in well inspections to ensure compliance with construction standards and protect groundwater from waste, contamination, and loss of artesian pressure.

Responsibilities

Throughout all duties, the Assistant Watermaster is expected to uphold the agency's core values by fostering respectful communication, delivering strong customer service, participating collaboratively across divisions, and contributing to an inclusive, positive, and productive work environment that supports the long-term sustainability of Oregon's water and ecosystems.

• Collecting and compiling hydrologic data, including streamflow measurements, gaging station maintenance and repair, and assisting with processing streamflow records.
• Making stream flood measurements.
• Measuring groundwater levels, verifying well locations and ownership, and preparing data and findings reports.
• Aiding in groundwater studies and preparing data reports in collaboration with department hydrogeologists.
• Assisting the public by helping them research water right, well, and hydrographic records.
• Aiding in well inspections to ensure compliance with construction standards and protect groundwater from waste, contamination, and loss of artesian pressure.

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.
• 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.
• Familiarity with handheld devices, tablets, and/or laptops.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: 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.
• Preferred Qualifications: 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, Familiarity with handheld devices, tablets, and/or laptops.