Umatilla River Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 2)
The North Central Regional Office is hiring an Umatilla River Coordinator (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. The successful candidate will be stepping into a project with nearly three decades of proven impact—one that has transformed instream flows in the Umatilla River and strengthened water reliability for local irrigation districts.
This is a role for someone who fosters collaboration, appreciates the responsibility of stewarding shared water resources, and is excited to be part of a long‑standing, high‑visibility project with statewide and regional significance. If you’re motivated by meaningful environmental outcomes and ready to bring both technical expertise and relationship‑building skills to the table, please apply today if you are passionate about making contributions that make a lasting difference in the Umatilla Basin.
Working Title: Umatilla River Coordinator
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: Hybrid/remote work 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 sufficient and sustainable water supplies are available to meet current and future needs.
Our Mission
The Department's mission is to serve the public by practicing and promoting responsible water management through two key goals:
To directly address Oregon's water supply needs
To restore and protect streamflows and watersheds in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of Oregon's ecosystems, economy, and quality of life
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.
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 our Team
The North Central Region thrives on a spirit of resilience, collaboration, and shared purpose. The work is truly meaningful and often changing as we manage water in a landscape shaped by diverse and competing needs, changing conditions, and with deep cultural significance. Our team shows up every day ready to put in the effort, not because the work is easy, but because it matters.
What truly defines this region is the way we support one another. No one is left to shoulder tough decisions or complex fieldwork alone. We rely on each other’s strengths, communicate openly, and celebrate the wins—big or small—that come from working as a unified team. That sense of camaraderie extends beyond our office walls. We value the relationships we’ve built with Tribes, water users, partner agencies, and local communities, and we approach those partnerships with respect, humility, and a commitment to problem‑solving together.
In North Central Region, the work is complex, and we are managing water issues that are shaping and supporting the region’s water resources for generations to come. But there’s a shared pride in knowing that our collective effort helps is vital water users, supports communities, and protects a critical resource. It’s a place where hard work is expected, teamwork is essential, and the process—complex as it may be—is genuinely rewarding.
About the Position
The Umatilla River Coordinator (URC) is responsible for managing the State of Oregon's obligations to implement the Umatilla Basin Project. The Umatilla Basin Project is a cooperative effort undertaken by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), irrigation districts, State of Oregon, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC), Federal fishery agencies, and Reclamation (USBR) to bolster and maintain in-stream flow targets for fishery enhancement in the Umatilla River.
This unique project has been operational for nearly 30 years and has drastically increased instream flow in the Umatilla River while providing reliable water supplies for 3 participating irrigation districts. To accomplish this, the URC coordinates and oversees the McKay and Umatilla River Water Use Management Plan, including management of the accumulation/rotation agreement, in coordination with the Umatilla Basin Watermaster. The URC also prepares all necessary reports as required by the management plan, including individual users, irrigation districts and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR).
Additionally, the URC may collect and compile hydrologic data within the Umatilla Basin. This may include making stream flow measurements on canals and streams and at gaging stations in compliance with measurement program standards as well as service, maintain, and repair gaging stations. The URC often assists the regional hydrographic technician in processing stream flow records as needed.
This role requires a blend of technical skills, strong organizational abilities, and the ability to coordinate across agencies, tribes, and community partners. This position managers water use plans, oversees rotation agreements, prepares essential reports, and contributes to the data that drives real‑world decisions for the URC and statewide. This role also incorporates fieldwork, where this position is tasked to measure stream flows, maintain gaging stations, and support hydrographic data processing.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience in natural resources management, and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, or three additional years of related natural resources management experience; OR
one year of experience in natural resources management, and a master's degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area; OR
a Doctorate degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with an Oregon natural resources program.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal relationship skills with the ability to tactfully handle difficult conversations or disagreements with the regulated community and other water partners.
Proven ability to manage projects that include coordinating with other governmental agencies and community partners.
Experience with natural resources field data collection and streamflow measurement processes.
Experience with GIS systems, including ArcMap.
Experience reading maps (road, tax-lot, topography).
Familiarity with handheld devices, tablets, and/or laptops.
Experience driving in rough terrain.
We are most interested in finding the most qualified candidate for the job, and that candidate may not meet every one of our listed preferred qualifications. Paid and unpaid 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
Work of this position generally occurs in an office setting and include attending meetings, responding to emails, and making and receiving phone calls. Work during weekends may also be necessary. This person may encounter people who become irate when their water diversion works are regulated. Must be able to wade in swift, cold streams and collect data along and near rivers and canals. Must travel in varied weather and road conditions in motor vehicles, snowmobiles or on skis or snowshoes. Required to make stream flood measurements. May work alone in remote areas. Regular attendance is an essential function. Must occasionally lift up to 75 lbs.
What’s in it for you?
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).
Application Requirements
Please provide your resume and cover letter for full consideration.
Provide a cover letter.
Provide a resume.
Please monitor both your email and Workday account for updates regarding this recruitment. You may be asked to submit additional information after initial application. If you have questions about this job posting, please contact Human Resources at WRD_DL_HR@water.oregon.gov.
Current State of Oregon employees must apply through your employee Workday account.
Important Information
PERS Salary Information
* NON-PERS ELIGIBLE (Includes most new hires to state government. Employees typically gain PERS eligibility after six months of state service. PERS ELIGIBLE (Typically current or former employees of Oregon state or local government, public schools, universities, etc.) The salary listed will state base monthly salary, which is BEFORE PERS.
Accommodations
If you need assistance to participate in the application process, including an accommodation request under the American with Disabilities Act, we invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions please contact our HR team at wrd_dl_hr@water.oregon.gov.
Future Vacancies
This applicant pool may be used to fill additional vacancies as they occur over the next three (3) months.
Work Authorization
The Oregon Water Resources Department does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.
Veterans
If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans’ preference points will be added to your score. For more information on veterans’ preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org and select Veterans resources under Resources. Please do not attach veteran documentation to your initial application, after you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time.
Application Review Process
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage
The use of outside resources such as Artificial Intelligence software during the application process (cover letter and resume) and applicant skill assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in immediate disqualification.
HB3187 Statement
The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
The Oregon Water Resources Department is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity.