Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton; Natural Resource Specialist

Position: Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist 2)
## Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist
2)
Apply locations:
Pendleton | OWRDtime type:
Full time posted on:
Posted Todayjob requisition :
REQ-203561
** Initial Posting Date:
** 07/16/2026
** Final date to receive applications:
** 07/29/2026
** Agency:
** Water Resources Department
** Salary Range:**$4,738 - $7,247
** Position Type:
** Employee
*
* Position Title:

** Regional Assistant Watermaster, Pendleton (Natural Resource Specialist
2)
*
* Job Description:

**## 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.
* Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.
**
* 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.#
** 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…