Water Rights Advisor (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Position Type: Permanent, Full Time Representation: Service Employees International UnionFLSA Status: Exempt and not eligible for overtime and compensatory time

Monthly Compensation: The monthly salary range before PERS* will be $6,276-$9,644 | after PERS* will be $6,713-$10,318

Work Location: North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE Suite A, Salem Oregon 97301.Hybrid/Remote Work: Hybrid work eligible. 1-2 days per week in office, hybrid schedule agreed upon by manager. Quantity of office days may be adjusted based on business need with notice. Some in-state travel is required with infrequent overnight travel. This position is the Division's consultant deployed to the highest-priority, multi-step water right transactions (blending various science, legal, and property data and disciplines). The position exists to help the Division navigate issues where established procedures may not exist, resolve unique formal protests, and draft new standard operating procedures to streamline inefficiencies. It also is responsible for high impact, controversial work that affects economic development, municipalities, tribal water rights, agricultural infrastructure, and ecosystem management. The position serves as the State's expert witness on water right transactions in contested case hearing or trial proceedings when needed. This position enhances the Division's ability to respond to legislative, media, and other external inquiries by evaluating data and information, researching existing laws, rules, and agency policies and historical record, and assisting in developing the agency's response. This position frequently performs analysis and research, interprets laws, rules, and policy, and provides complex technical or policy interpretations to develop strategies for solving difficult natural resource-oriented problems. When needed, this position also coordinates program activities to bring current practices into alignment with existing or changing laws, rules, and policies. The person in this position must perform position duties in a manner which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all people courteously and respectfully. Engage in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work-related associations. Develop good working relationships with Division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in cross-divisional group projects, and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive, collaborative manner. Demonstrate openness to constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contribute to a positive, respectful, and productive atmosphere.

Minimum Qualifications: Four years of experience in natural resources or related field. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resources program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities. ANDA Bachelor's degree in natural resources or related field, or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience. ORA Master's degree in natural resources or related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience. ORA Doctorate degree in natural resources or related field will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Note: In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use both the minimum and preferred 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.

Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated attention to detail and quality control in professional correspondence and documentation Experience leading technical teams through change initiatives or multi-faceted projects and evaluating the adequacy of their work Excellent project management and organizational skills to meet deadlines and monitor and effectively report on deliverables across a project portfolio Experience interpreting and summarizing large data sets to support monitoring and communication about various aspects of a program Experience collaborating across teams, with members of management, and with external parties to address complex inquiries and move high-profile projects forward Demonstrated effectiveness at consulting with and advising managers on complex program issues and developing subsequent, easy-to-understand guidance for staff or external parties Extensive experience analyzing and applying water allocation statutes, administrative rules, and policies to agency decisions and developing clear and defensible decision documents Experience in development of strategy and testimony in dealing with formal protests (contested cases) or judicial review of agency actions Experience with rulemaking and providing feedback on legislative concepts and bills Demonstrated ability to build relationships and navigate conflicting interests in a professional, courteous manner 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. This position is located in Salem, with some remote telework flexibility. Regular attendance is an essential function required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services. In-office workdays are in a cubicle environment. Work conditions consist primarily of desk work located at a computer terminal for long periods of time, including typing and a considerable amount of reading, researching, and analyzing large documents, statutes, administrative rules, and existing policies and guidance. This position includes periodic attendance at Commission meetings and other public forums to present information or answer questions. This position involves electronic (phone, email, virtual meetings) and in-person communication with members of the public, some of whom may be frustrated. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. 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. Provide a cover letter. Provide a resume. Application Tips: Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and preferred qualifications in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history. Be sure to check Workday and your email for additional tasks and updates. After hitting submit there may be additional required tasks for you to complete prior to the announcement closing. Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline. 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.