Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton; Natural Resource Specialist

Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist
2)

If you are someone who thrives at the intersection of natural resource management, collaborative problem-solving, and hands-on 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. As an Assistant Watermaster in the North Central Region, you will play a vital role in enforcing water law, protecting both instream and out-of-stream water rights, gathering essential hydrologic data, and ensuring the safe construction and management of wells and dams.

Your work will directly support Oregonians across the state, from those who rely on water for agriculture to those who value the recreational and ecological benefits of healthy streamflow's. Representing the agency in a field-based capacity, you will respond to water right disputes, public inquiries, and complaints with professionalism and timeliness. In this role, you will embody our core values through respectful communication, strong customer service, effective teamwork, and collaborative problem-solving.

You will also contribute to a welcoming, inclusive workplace culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters positive working relationships across divisions. If you are committed to protecting Oregon's natural resources and supporting sustainable water management, we invite you to bring your skills and dedication to our team!

Working Title:

Regional Assistant Watermaster

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 $4,738-$7,247 | after PERS
* will be $5,067-$7,751.

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: 40-055-20.pdf

Hybrid/Remote Work:
This position will work frequently at the North Central Regional Office and in the field on and around the North Central Regional office in Pendleton. Hybrid work is available with approval of the manager.

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 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).

Please provide your resume and cover letter for full consideration.