Water Rights Development Section Manager; Natural Resource Protection & Sustainability Manager

Job Overview

The Water Rights Development Section Manager leads a team processing water right transactions, evaluating the development of water rights within specific time frames, and overseeing operational efficiency and program development for the Water Rights Services Division.

• Supervise staff in the Water Rights Development Section, including processing water right transactions and ensuring compliance with water law.
• Provide day‑to‑day supervisory oversight for the Protest program and the Water Rights Advisor position.
• Develop technical guidance, policies, and procedures; conduct training assignments.
• Facilitate weekly team meetings, develop annual production goals, conduct performance reviews, and implement programmatic improvements.
• Participate in the Department’s Management Team; provide briefings and updates.
• Liaise with internal agency teams, other state agencies, and external interested parties.
• Support legislative session work and manage agency‑level communications.
• Assume the role of Division Administrator in the absence of the Division Administrator.
• Promote a diverse, discrimination‑free workplace and uphold core values.

• Five years of lead work, supervision, or progressively related experience; OR two years of related experience and a bachelor’s degree.
• Experience supervising a program, section, unit, or team with responsibilities that may include program rule development, long‑ and short‑range planning, evaluation, and change management.

• Specialized training or experience in a complex natural resources‑based regulatory program.
• Strong communication skills for conveying complex information to technical staff and the public.
• Proficiency in water‑right map reading and water‑use calculations.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate and lead meetings, public speaking, and difficult conversations.
• Experience with process improvement and/or program modernization.
• Knowledge of budgeting and financial management in program management.
• Experience interpreting and applying administrative rules, statutes, and policies.
• Professional writing skills and proficiency in statistical and technical analysis.
• Employee relations and leadership experience, including team motivation, training needs assessment, and disciplinary action.
• Attention to detail and quality control.

Work Location:

North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE Suite A, Salem, Oregon 97301.

Monthly Salary Range (pre‑PERS*): $6,834.00‑$10,569.00. After PERS*: $7,306.00‑$11,304.00.

Hybrid work arrangement with in‑office presence at least twice a month. Requires regular travel within Oregon and occasional overnight trips. The role is office‑oriented, with frequent computer use, video meetings, and written communication. Ability to drive and physical capacity to lift up to 30 pounds are required.

• PEBB insurance with exceptional medical, vision, and dental plans.
• Paid time off: 8 hours of sick leave and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, increased every 5 years; additional discretionary leave (3 personal business days and 1 Governor’s Day).
• Eleven paid holidays per year.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) with pension and employer contributions.
• Optional benefits: term life, long‑term & short‑term disability, long‑term care, health & dependent care flexible spending accounts, Oregon Savings Growth Plan, deferred compensation options.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (loans qualify).

The Oregon Water Resources Department is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative action employer committed to workforce diversity.