Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

04/01/2026

Application Deadline:

04/22/2026

Agency:

Water Resources Department

Salary Range:

$6,276 - $9,644

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Hydroelectric Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4)

Working Title: Hydroelectric Program Coordinator

Classification: Natural Resource Specialist 4

Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Representation: Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

FLSA Status: Exempt (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/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.  

2019-2024 Strategic Plan

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 Water Right Services Division is responsible for the evaluation of all water right, transfer, extension of time (for both permits and transfers), instream lease, allocation of conserved water and limited license applications. In addition, the Division administers the following water right-related programs: water right certification; permit cancellation; adjudication of pre-1909 vested water rights; water management and conservation planning; hydroelectric licensing; water right information and customer service; and water right program and policy development. The Division also shares administration of the Deschutes Basin Groundwater Mitigation Program.

The Division is responsible for public notice of applications and for responding to public-interest inquiries and concerns. The Division receives and evaluates comments and protests concerning proposed water uses. The Division must ensure coordination with local governments and other state and federal agencies concerning proposed water allocations. Final determination of water right applications involve a legal property right and may involve litigation in Oregon or federal court.

About the Position

The Hydroelectric Program Coordinator is responsible for the administrative and technical functions of the program. The program coordinator leads a team of professional staff conducting complex analyses of hydroelectric applications, which include detailed studies of project impacts by project applicants. This person is the coordinator for the Hydroelectric Application Review Team (HART). (The HART is an interagency review team made up of state agency representatives.)

As team leader, this position has responsibility to implement a coordinated system for evaluating applications related to hydroelectric power projects in Oregon. The economic and natural resources issues surrounding the licensing of new projects and relicensing of existing projects are often highly controversial and generate statewide interest and concern. As a member and coordinator of HART, this person will need to work closely with people of varying interests to come to consensus on sensitive public issues, manage agreements with agencies and public interest groups, and make policy recommendations to the division administrator on whether new projects should be approved and existing projects should be reauthorized. The person represents the department at informational meetings, public hearings, and before boards or commissions of state or local agencies.

The program coordinator will review the work of the other members of the team, edit reports and permits drafted by staff, and prepare reports and permits themselves. Attention to detail and quality control is key. The person needs to be able to independently interpret and evaluate data to figure out the existing or potential effects and risks from existing or proposed hydroelectric projects. This person needs to be able to interpret and apply statutes and rules to ensure actions taken by the agency are consistent with the program's regulatory framework, and to support the agency's work in rulemaking and legislative sessions. Each position supports contested case proceedings and, when applicable, litigation. While all positions are expected to facilitate process improvements, this position is responsible for ensuring the Hydroelectric Program functions efficiently and with consistency. This position should be comfortable with public speaking and with interpreting and conveying fiscal information in order to support the HART's periodic convening of the hydroelectric fee review panel.

Work must be performed with our core values in mind. The person in this position must perform duties in a manner which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully; engage in effective team participation through a willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work related associations; develop good working relationships with Division and agency staff through active participation in accomplishing the agency mission and resolving problems in a constructive manner; and contribute to a positive, respectful, and productive work environment.

Please click here for the full position description.

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.

AND

A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field, or three additional years of related (pertinent) experience.

A Master’s degree in natural resources or related field will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

A Doctorate degree in natural resources or related field will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Related or pertinent experience could include: Experience in water resources, hydrology, hydropower, or other natural resources program that directly involves government policy work, community engagement, project management, gathering and analyzing natural resources data, conducting natural resource investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, providing technical assistance to the public, or helping the public navigate and comply with procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the practices and principles of the administration of water rights, hydroelectric project licensing and compliance, or another natural resources-based regulatory program.
• Experience applying project management methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated skill in communicating with a variety of people to provide assistance, explain a specific natural resource program or requirements, and gain cooperation to meet program requirements.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and quality control.
• Demonstrated proficiency in fiscal concepts (e.g., via experience in collection of fees, analysis of funding needs, and/or budget management).
• Demonstrated skill in analyzing data, laws, or existing policies to determine if a project, plan, or program meets relevant requirements.
• Demonstrated skill in writing clear and concise investigative, technical, or narrative reports that include analyses, recommendations, and conclusions.
• Experience reviewing the work products of lower to mid-level staff.
• Experience developing technical guidance, policy, and procedures and providing training where needed.
• Demonstrated skill in public speaking, meeting facilitation, and tactfully handling difficult conversations.
• Possess a positive attitude and can motivate others to perform their best.

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.

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

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. Field inspections require overnight travel, hiking, and working over water and in sometimes remote and adverse weather conditions in various locations throughout the state. Ability and authorization to drive is essential to completing field inspections. 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 30 pounds may be required.

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 a brief (no more than 2 pages) cover letter to the attention of Katie Ratcliffe, indicating why you are interested in, and a good candidate for, the Hydroelectric Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 4) position at the Oregon Water Resources Department.

• Provide a brief (no more than 3 pages) resume indicating your experience pertinent to the minimum and preferred qualifications in this announcement.

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.     

Candidate Preference

Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources For more information on veterans’ preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org and select Veterans resources under Resources. Please do not attach veteran or Oregon National Guard Servicemember 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.