The Oregon Water Resource Department is seeking a Watermaster for our District 17, Klamath Falls region. Our Watermasters are critical to the monitoring, protection and management of Oregon’s precious natural water resources. This position will be charged with utilizing new and efficient methods to help modernize management of Oregon’s water resources and secure Oregon’s water future in the face of increasing water scarcity and uncertainty.  

Our Watermasters play a dynamic role in the community by being a subject matter expert in natural resource technology and knowledge while simultaneously holding strong skills in strategic relationship building with diverse communities, often engaging in courageous conversations by issuing compliance directives and teaching regulatory statutes.   

If you are experienced in natural resource management and take satisfaction in tackling complex water issues by collecting and analyzing detailed data, monitoring and documenting observations, and helping prepare and issue compliance enforcement documents, then this position might be for you!  

This full time, permanent watermaster position is located in Klamath Falls, a beautiful city in Oregon which provides a plethora of adventures, some of which we have listed below:  

• Recreation, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and approximately 2.5 hours from Bend

• Natural beauty – Cascade Mountains, Crater Lake National Park, vast landscape to explore

• Unique geography and geology

• Quiet rural area with a rich Oregon history

• An opportunity to play an integral part in water management in this complex Basin  

• Support future sustainability that will preserve and protect the local economy and quality of life in the basin. 

Working Title: Watermaster District 17 (Klamath)  

Classification: Natural Resource Specialist 4 (NRS4) 

Position Type: Permanent, Full Time  

Representation: SEIU represented  

FLSA Status: Exempt, not eligible for overtime or compensatory time  

Monthly compensation:  OAO-30-AA $6,123.00-$9,409 before PERS*, OAO-30-AP $6,549.00-$10,066.00 after PERS*  

Work location: Klamath Falls, Oregon- Primarily onsite, frequently in the field; with some hybrid/remote work options. Some in-state travel is required with infrequent overnight travel.  

Relocation Assistance: This position may be eligible for moving expenses for the successful candidate. The final amount offered will vary based on the location of the candidate.    

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.  

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 Department’s strategic priorities for 2019-2024 are to:  

• Modernize our management of Oregon’s surface water and groundwater resources to   meet instream and out-of-stream uses  

• Work to secure Oregon’s 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 the position 

The Field Services Division is the operations portion of the agency.  Watermasters enforce water law, administrative rules, and agency policy.  This includes settling of water right disputes; inspection of dams to prevent loss of life and property; inspection of well construction to prevent contamination of groundwater and loss of artesian pressure; collection and measurement of hydrologic data for planning and regulation; and protection of existing instream and out-of-stream water rights.  This affects all of the people in the state, whether they divert water directly or enjoy in-stream values such as fishing, boating, and hiking along streams and lakes.  Watermasters work to restore and protect streamflow's to enhance the long-term sustainability of Oregon's ecosystems.    

This position represents the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Field Services Division as part of the South Central Region in both office and field settings.  The watermaster is regularly involved in issues of significant impact to the surface water and groundwater resources of Oregon, water users, instream benefits and subsequent other water-related public benefits.  Watermasters are regularly involved in controversial or complex agency policy and decision making which may affect broader Department policy. The Watermaster responds to water right disputes, informational inquiries and complaints in a timely manner, thus preventing potential loss of crops, life, property or aquatic life while actively enforcing Oregon water laws, administrative rules from all divisions of the agency, and Water Resources Commission policies.    

Complex water management challenges occur in this basin, including large numbers of water rights, irrigation districts, and ESA issues.  Some watermaster districts have interstate water issues requiring investigations, dispute resolution, and solutions without established procedures.  Water management decisions in this basin are highly controversial, are of high value, and due to large stakeholder groups with significant financial interests, ESA issues, and Tribal water rights and needs, are of a sensitive nature.  Because of required time-critical decision making and responses, and complex water management, regulation and distribution, and hydrologic data collection occurring in this district, this position prioritizes tasks and helps the region manager understand and direct other region staff. This position will assist with orientation and training of new employees.  

This position will perform work with our core values in mind. The person in this position performs duties in a manner which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully; engages in effective team participation through a willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work related associations; develops good working relationships with division and agency staff through active participation in accomplishing the agency mission and resolving problems in a constructive manner; demonstrates openness to constructive feedback in an effort to strengthen work performance; and contributes to a positive, respectful, and productive work environment.  

The Field Services Division seeks to promote a workplace culture that understands and appreciate differences among people, utilizes that understanding and appreciation to improve our services, and fosters a work culture that is welcoming and inclusive to all.  

You can view the full position description here. 

Minimum Qualifications – Natural Resource Specialist 4   

Four (4) years of experience in natural resource management, at least one of which at a technical or professional level performing activities in natural resources such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities (may be aggregated experience from internships or other volunteer work);   

AND   

A Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Resource field, Geology, Engineering, or other related field;   

OR   

Three (3) additional years of related (pertinent) experience.   

• Note: A Master’s degree in a qualifying field counts for one year of experience and a PhD. in a qualifying field counts for two years of experience.  

Preferred Qualifications  

• Technology - Experience using ArcGIS, SQL, Python, or other similar GIS, database, or programming languages and software is desirable but not required. Familiarity with field data collection, mobile GPS and tablets.   

• Communication – Expert in active communication, and the ability to authentically engage with community members. This includes proficiency in de-escalating situations and communicate controversial and complex subjects with community partners and the public.  

• Excellent organization skills – You can keep track of project progress, timelines, deadlines, and deliverables, while also coordinating with project partners.  

• Self-starter- Expert in seeking engagement and building relationships with community partners. Proficient in being proactive and curious to help identify obstacles and opportunities. Takes the initiative while gleaning feedback from peers and staying within realm of responsibility. 

• Teamwork – Watermasters are a partner in day-to-day work in a team oriented and high paced field environment where coordinating work with other field staff which is critical to the safety and success of the agency. 

• Conflict resolution – Watermasters review and interpret statute and rule when working on complex water challenges to ensure decisions are consistent with department guidelines and best practices.    

• Natural resources – Experience working with and in the natural resources field. A background in water resources, and knowledge of water laws and water management is preferred.   

• Field work – Experience operating and maintaining water measurement equipment, conducting surveys and using hand and power tools to achieve deliverables in the field is preferred.   

• Statute and rules – Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and use statutes, rules, and policies related to natural resources management.   

• Equity and environmental justice – You are informed and engaged with issues of equity and environmental justice and seek to continue to learn and grow in these areas.    

Note: 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. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Lived 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  

Frequently work with people who often get irate when their water diversion works and wells are regulated.  This can happen daily during times of water distribution, complaint investigation and regulation.  Must tolerate wading in swift, cold streams and work from stream banks.  Must travel in varied weather and road conditions in motor vehicles.  Depending on territory job may occasionally involve the use of snowshoes, cross country skis, all-terrain vehicles or other field equipment.  Occasionally conduct stream discharge measurements during flood conditions from bridges or stream banks.  Is often alone in remote areas with little to no supervision.  Occasionally lift up to 75 pounds.  

Some Benefits of Working with us  

• Working with the Oregon Water Resources Department offers a dynamic and plentiful array of fulfilling benefits, here are a few!
• Help modernize management of Oregon’s water resources and secure Oregon’s water future in the face of increasing water scarcity and uncertainty.
• Find satisfaction in tackling complex water use issues by collecting detailed data, accurately documenting observations, and helping prepare enforcement documents to gain compliance.
• Support a sustainable water future for Oregon’s economy, environment, and communities.
• Join an organization with smart, driven co-workers who care about public service, water resources, and their co-workers, and who welcome new ideas.
• Collect data that will be used to help create policy, improve on laws and statutes and assist in guiding OWRD as it manages this crucial resource for future generations. 

In addition to a satisfying and engaging work culture, we also offer a competitive benefits package that includes:    

• Exceptional medical, vision and dental plans with employees paying 1-5% of the total rate.  

• 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 Special Leave to use at your discretion 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).  

• You can find a summary of employee benefits here: Benefits Memo.pdf (oregon.gov)  

Application Requirements 

1. Provide a brief cover letter indicating why you are interested in, and are a good candidate for, the NRS-4, Watermaster position at the Oregon Water Resources Department.  

2. Provide a brief resume indicating your experience pertinent to the required and desired qualifications in this announcement.