Water Rights Advisor, Natural Resource Specialist 4

. Provide Division-wide support by evaluating complex water right transaction proposals .

Posted 9/26/2026full-timeSalem • Oregon • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $6,276 - $9,644 per monthWebsite

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide Division-wide support by evaluating complex water right transaction proposals
Serve as the Division’s consultant on high-priority, multi-step water right transactions
Blend scientific, legal, procedural, and property data and disciplines in transaction analysis
Participate in rulemaking, legislative concept development and bill review, and the water rights transaction fee workgroup
Collaborate with internal and external customers to build relationships and solve problems
Interface with the Protest program by resolving protests or improving the defensibility of orders
Support litigation resolution by coordinating with agency leadership and the Oregon Department of Justice on case strategy
Provide written or in-person testimony as needed and serve as the State’s expert witness in contested cases or trials
Prepare order language, policy memos, standard operating procedures, and other documentation
Interpret and summarize water right transaction data to support workload monitoring and communication
Research laws, rules, agency policies, and historical records for legislative, media, and external inquiries
Coordinate program activities to align practices with existing or changing laws, rules, and policies
Work across the Division on important, complex, and high-profile priorities

What you’ll need

Four years of experience in natural resources or related field
At least one year of experience at a technical or professional level performing activities in a natural resources program
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field, or three additional years of related experience
Master’s degree in natural resources or related field may substitute for up to one year of required experience
Doctorate degree in natural resources or related field may substitute for up to two years of required experience
Experience may include researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities
Resume and cover letter required
Authorization to work in the United States required; Oregon Water Resources Department does not offer visa sponsorships
Must complete US Department of Homeland Security Form I-9 within three days of hire
Regular attendance is an essential function
Ability to perform considerable reading, researching, and analyzing of large documents, statutes, administrative rules, and policies
Ability to attend Commission meetings and public forums and present information or answer questions
Occasional ability to lift up to 20 pounds
Outside AI resources are prohibited during the application process and applicant assessments unless otherwise stated

Comp & perks

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 vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years
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 term life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, long-term care, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, and Oregon Savings Growth Plan deferred compensation program
Opportunity to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (must qualify)
Hybrid work eligibility
Paid and unpaid experience may count towards preferred qualifications