Umatilla River Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

State of Oregon

1d • Hybrid

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• managing the State of Oregon's obligations to implement the Umatilla Basin Project
• coordinates and oversees the McKay and Umatilla River Water Use Management Plan
• management of the accumulation/rotation agreement, in coordination with the Umatilla Basin Watermaster
• prepares all necessary reports as required by the management plan, including individual users, irrigation districts and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)
• collect and compile hydrologic data within the Umatilla Basin
• 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
• assists the regional hydrographic technician in processing stream flow records as needed

Benefits

• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level