Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Instream Flow Scientist/Hydrologist) (Oregon State Government)

Job Description

Initial Posting Date:

10/21/2024

Application Deadline:

11/11/2024

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$5,747 - $8,831

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Instream Flow Scientist/Hydrologist)

Job Description:

Make a Difference in Oregon's Natural Resources! 

Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

This position is with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) located in Salem, OR.

Are you passionate about protecting and making a difference with Oregon’s fish and wildlife populations? Do you want to help set state-wide instream flow priorities for species? Do you have an extensive background applying instream flow and temperature methodologies to protect fish and wildlife and maintain their habitat? Then this position may be for you! Join the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Water Program to help quantity and protect instream flow needs. Don’t delay, apply today!

If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is the place for you. We have glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. You can fish 365 days a year, and there is hunting for big game, waterfowl and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at JOB IS FROM: italents.netVIEWhttps://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk

What you will do:

• Take a leadership role in ODFW’s effort to develop and implement statewide approach to determining fish and wildlife aquatic habitat (including instream) needs and priorities in a future of climate change. Analyze data to determine flows necessary for fish or wildlife by using instream flow data, GIS analysis, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling techniques, species distribution models, climate models, and ecosystem service models. Coordinate research between ODFW research groups, other agencies, contractors, and academics. Develop long-term implementation plans and strategies to be used by ODFW, agency partners, and partners for requesting instream flows and develop strategies for restoring adequate flows to the state’s streams.

• Serve as the principal ODFW representative on the technical aspects of applying flow and temperature methodologies and standards to state and federal instream flow issues. Serve on task forces and committees dealing with instream flow and temperature issues. Oversee and direct the instream flow project staff to design and conduct instream flow studies, which will be used to apply for new instream water rights and for other planning purposes. Design and conduct special studies in hydrologic analysis with a primary focus on developing environmental flows-function relationships to be used in water right acquisitions, water planning, permitting, and monitoring. Establish and define research methodology, scope, content, staff schedules, and budgets for these studies. Provide technical expertise, analyses and evaluations in response to complex technical questions on instream flow methodologies, species temperature and flow needs, and protection of instream flows and/or water rights. Develop and test innovations and improvements in instream flow methods through field studies, data analysis, statistical analysis, and modeling.

• Serve as the ODFW expert witness on instream flow methods as used in determining flow requirements of fish and wildlife for instream water right applications. Provide the technical justification and defend the appropriateness of flows requested by ODFW through the instream water right application process and during legal proceedings involving protests of the instream water right requested. Serve as a member or chair on technical advisory committees for instream hydrologic needs. Represent the State of Oregon as a technical expert in interactions with other states, federal agencies and at conferences on instream flow policies, strategies and methodologies.

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.

Working Conditions
• Work is conducted primarily indoors in an office environment. Occasional long hours and meetings involving complex, controversial and sensitive technical and policy issues and legal actions. Requires the ability to resolve problems and negotiate settlements as a part of interagency meetings, public hearings, and administrative proceedings with public and private entities and individuals.

• Occasional field work in inclement weather along and/or in boulder strewn streams with slippery, uneven surfaces. Occasional travel involving weekend and overnight stays. Frequent automobile and airline travel to single or several day meetings around the state.

• Requires a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day. This includes working at all hours and workdays in excess of eight hours.

Criminal Records/DMV Check
Applicants are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for all positions. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current certified driving record for review to be considered for the position. Be prepared to obtain as soon as possible. You are expected to provide the out-of-state certified driving record before an offer can be made unless extenuating circumstances exist. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.

NOTE: Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships.

We are seeking applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have the following skills and experience:

Minimum Qualifications:

Five years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fisheries, hydrology, water management, stream ecology, environmental studies, or related field with a focus in instream flow or hydrology. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level in a fisheries, hydrology, water management, stream ecology, environmental studies, or related field with a focus in instream flow or hydrology performing the following technical activities: researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND

A Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Science, Hydrology, Water Management, Stream Ecology, Environmental Studies or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with a focus in instream flow or hydrology with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework, or three additional years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in hydrology, water management, fisheries, stream ecology, environmental studies, or related fields with a focus in instream flow or hydrology.

A Master's degree in Fisheries Science, Hydrology, Water Management, Stream Ecology, Environmental Studies or a closely-related Master's degree with a focus in instream flow or hydrology will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

A Doctorate degree in Fisheries Science, Hydrology, Water Management, Stream Ecology, Environmental Studies or a closely-related Doctorate degree with a focus in instream flow or hydrology will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Applicants who have obtained a Master's degree or Doctorate that included work experience from an internship, work/study, thesis, or similar program may list this experience in their application to receive credit for the work experience. The Master's degree/Doctorate and applicable work experience will be considered separately and both the education and applicable experience may count toward minimum qualifications.

Requested Skills:
• Preference will be given to applicants with an advanced degree in the related educational fields listed above

• Research and experience in field-based studies (instream flow, fisheries, and hydrology), and water policy

• Training and leading staff in instream flow studies

• Conducting empirical or modeling evaluations

• Intermediate to advanced experience using ArcGIS software

• Intermediate to advanced experience with various coding languages (e.g., Python, R, etc.)

• Presenting information to varying audiences on technically difficult or controversial issues

Additional Information:

Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by your resume or the "Job History" section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. You may be disqualified if your experience listed in your resume or the “Job History” section does not include information used to: 1) meet the minimum qualifications of the job and 2) back up your answers to the supplemental questions. If any of the positions listed in your application are part time or seasonal, be sure to include the dates you worked (month and year) and the average amount of hours worked per week in the duties section. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.

Note: You will be required to provide a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts (online transcripts are acceptable) during the selection process that show your name, the name/address of the institution, coursework with passing grades, and degree conferred (including date), if you are using education to qualify. Transcripts and cover letters can be attached to your application in the Resume/CV/Cover Letter attachments field when you apply. Cover letters may not be reviewed unless it is stated as a requirement in the job posting.

For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application, click here

Internal Applicants: The contact information that is prefilled on your application is typically your work email and work phone number. Be sure to check your state email and Workday notifications for your status regarding the recruitment process. If you are away from the office or unable to check your state email account for an extended period, contact the HR Recruitment Unit and the hiring manager to let them know your personal email and phone number where you can be contacted. This will help to ensure you do not miss out on any correspondence that may be related to an interview. If you apply for a position as an internal applicant and then terminate while the recruitment is still in process, contact the Recruitment Unit to have your contact information updated.

The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.

Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.

This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.

The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.

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.

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts and at myodfw.com and https://www.dfw.state.or.us/

If you are passionate about natural resources, we invite you to join our team and assist with furthering ODFW’s mission by partnering with communities and sharing how our work has a positive effect on Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats. ODFW is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce as we strive to represent and better serve our neighboring communities. Our most important asset is our employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and community we serve.  With Oregon’s changing demographics, a workforce that reflects this change will make us stronger and create an opportunity for better decision making. Consider joining our team as we lead ODFW into the future!

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer