Initial Posting Date: 06/09/2025
Application Deadline:06/23/2025
Agency:Water Resources Department
Salary Range:$4,622 – $7,070
Position Type:Employee
Position Title:Groundwater Field Technician (Natural Resource Specialist 2) Underfill Opportunity Available!
Job Description:
Now Hiring: Groundwater Field Technician – Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2) with an underfill option Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)!
Join us in protecting Oregon’s water future! We’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented field technician to collect and analyze groundwater data in the Walla Walla subbasin.
This is a great opportunity to work outdoors, travel to remote locations, and contribute to science-based water management. Ideal candidates have experience with field data collection, GPS/GIS tools, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
Make a real impact; apply your skills to one of Oregon’s most vital natural resources!
Working Title: Groundwater Field Technician
Classification: Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2) / Underfill Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1)
Position Type: Full-Time, Limited Duration (Limited duration expected to end June 30, 2027; with the possibility of extension depending upon funding.)
Representation: SEIU Represented
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, eligible for overtime in the form of compensatory time with manager pre-approval
Monthly Compensation: The monthly salary range before PERS* for the Natural Resource Specialist 2
will be $4,622-$7,070 | after PERS* will be $4,943- $7,562.
Underfill Natural Resource Specialist 1, $4,409-$6,123 Before PERS* | $4,715-$6,549 After PERS*
Work Location: Pendleton Office, 116 SE Dorion Ave, Pendleton, OR 97801. This position works primarily onsite, frequently in the field; with some hybrid/remote work options. Some in-state travel is required with infrequent overnight travel.
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/Division
The Groundwater Section is a collaborative, science-driven team within the Technical Services Division at the Oregon Water Resources Department. We are dedicated to understanding and protecting Oregon’s groundwater through field investigations, data analysis, and interagency partnerships. Our work directly supports water rights decisions, long-term planning, and sustainable resource management. We value teamwork, innovation, and a supportive environment where every member contributes to advancing the agency’s mission. You’ll join a group that is passionate about making a difference and committed to equity, integrity, and public service.
About the Position
As a Groundwater Field Technician (Natural Resource Specialist 2), you will play a key role in supporting the Oregon Water Resources Department’s mission to manage and protect the state’s water resources. This position is focused on groundwater research and data collection in the Walla Walla subbasin, a region that spans the Oregon-Washington border. Your work will directly support long-term planning, water rights decisions, and sustainable groundwater management.
In this role, you will work closely with the agency’s basin hydrogeologist and partner agencies to identify and document wells, collect water level measurements, coordinate aquifer tests, and enter data into the state’s Groundwater Information System (GWIS). You’ll also engage with private well owners and other stakeholders to secure access for testing and ensure accurate, respectful communication throughout the data collection process.
The data and insights you help gather will contribute to multi-agency efforts under the state’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy, advancing responsible water use and protection across state lines. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a mix of field and office work, values public service, and wants to contribute to science-based natural resource management.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications – Natural Resource Specialist 2
- Two years of experience related to natural resource management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, or three additional years of pertinent experience;
OR
- One year of experience in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, and a Master’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area.
Pertinent experience must include activities such as:
Gathering and analyzing natural resource data and/or coordinating monitoring efforts for a natural resource program; and
Providing technical assistance to the public in a natural resource program explaining laws, rules, and regulations, answering questions, help the public navigate and comply with agency procedures.
Underfill Option Minimum Qualifications – Natural Resource Specialist 1
- Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering, or other natural resource area, OR three years of pertinent experience.
Pertinent experience must include activities such as:
Gathering and analyzing natural resource data and/or coordinating monitoring efforts for a natural resource program; and
Providing technical assistance to the public in a natural resource program explaining laws, rules, and regulations, answering questions, help the public navigate and comply with agency procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience collecting and interpreting groundwater, geological, or hydrologic field data.
- Proficiency using GPS tools and GIS software for field mapping and data entry.
- Demonstrated experience working with large datasets or scientific databases, particularly in environmental or natural resource settings.
- Knowledge of well construction, well log interpretation, and aquifer testing methods.
- Experience coordinating or communicating with landowners, contractors, or external stakeholders in a field or research setting.
- Ability to work independently in remote field environments under varying weather conditions.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting field observations and entering data.
- Familiarity with the principles of groundwater hydrology and natural resource management.
- Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
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 involves a combination of office and field work. Field work may require driving long distances to remote locations across the Walla Walla subbasin and surrounding areas, often in varying weather and road conditions. The position requires frequent travel, including multi-day trips, and may involve overnight stays in rural or isolated environments.
The individual in this role must be able to:
- Lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Work outdoors for extended periods in inclement weather, including extreme heat, rain, or freezing conditions.
- Navigate and work safely in rough terrain, including areas with uneven ground, dense vegetation, or limited vehicle access.
- Occasionally work near large motors or heavy equipment used during aquifer testing.
- Communicate and interact with landowners, including potentially irate or hostile individuals, while maintaining professionalism and composure.
A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are 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 ensure to 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.
The Oregon Water Resources Department is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Workforce Diversity.
