Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist 2

Regional Assistant Watermaster (Natural Resource Specialist
2) – Pendleton, OR

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

Salary: $4,738 – $7,247 monthly (non‑PERS), $5,067 – $7,751 monthly after PERS.

The Regional Assistant Watermaster enforces water law, protects instream and out‑of‑stream water rights, gathers hydrologic data, and ensures safe construction and management of wells, dams, and related infrastructure. The role supports Oregonians across the state, responding to water right disputes, public inquiries, and complaints with professionalism and timeliness while maintaining the department’s core values of respect, customer service, teamwork, and inclusivity.

• Enforce Oregon water law and protect instream and out‑of‑stream water rights.
• Respond to water right disputes, public inquiries, and complaints in a field‑based capacity.
• Collect and compile hydrologic data, including streamflow measurements, gaging station maintenance, and processing streamflow records.
• Measure groundwater levels, verify well locations and ownership, and prepare data and findings reports.
• Assist with groundwater studies and prepare data reports in collaboration with hydro geologists.
• Support the public in researching water right, well, and hydrographic records.
• Assist in well inspections to ensure compliance with construction standards and protect groundwater from waste, contamination, and loss of artesian pressure.
• Participate in fieldwork, including wading in swift, cold streams and traveling varied weather and road conditions to collect data.
• Coordinate with other governmental agencies and community partners on projects.

Two years of experience in natural resources management and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or another natural resources field; OR one year of experience in natural resources management and a master’s degree in the same disciplines; OR a doctorate degree in the same disciplines.

• Experience working on a natural resources program.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills and ability to handle difficult conversations with regulated communities and other partners.
• Proven ability to manage projects involving coordination with governmental agencies and community partners.
• Experience with natural resources field data collection and streamflow measurement processes.
• Experience with GIS systems, including Arc Map.
• Experience reading road, tax‑lot, and topographic maps.
• Familiarity with handheld devices, tablets, and/or laptops.

The role involves office work and field assignments. It may require work during weekends, wading in swift, cold streams, and traveling in varied weather (snowmobiles, skis, snowshoes). Study and data‑collection in remote areas may be required. The position may involve lifting up to 75lbs. Regular attendance is essential.

• PEBB insurance – medical, vision, and dental plans with employee premium contributions of 1–5%.
• Leave accrual: 8hrs sick and 8hrs vacation per month; accrued vacation increases every 5years.
• Four discretionary leave days: 3 personal business days and 1 Governor’s Leave.
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) with pension and employer contributions to Individual Account Program.
• Optional benefits: term life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, long‑term care, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, Oregon Savings Growth Plan, and a deferred‑compensation program.
• Loan forgiveness eligibility under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (subject to qualification).

The Oregon Water Resources Department is an Equal Opportunity, Affiliated Workers’ Rights, and Commitment to Diversity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status.