Water Rights Development Section Manager (Natural Resource Protection & Sustainability Manager 1)

Initial Posting Date: 06/17/2026Application Deadline:07/08/2026Agency:Water Resources DepartmentSalary Range:$6,834 - $10,569Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:Water Rights Development Section Manager (Natural Resource Protection & Sustainability Manager 1)Job Description:The Water Right Services Division is excited to recruit for a Water Rights Development Section Manager. This position will manage a team processing water right transactions that evaluate how much water was developed within a specific timeframe under a water right permit and how much remains to be developed. The position will also provide the day-to-day supervisory oversight for positions that enhance operational efficiency and program development for the entire division. If you are an interdisciplinary leader who has experience providing oversight to staff who administer regulatory programs that intersect with natural resource policy and law guided transactions, we encourage you to apply! Working Title:  Water Rights Development Section Manager Classification:  Natural Resource Protection and Sustainability Manager 1 Position Type:  Full Time; Permanent Representation:  Management Service Supervisory FLSA Status:  Exempt, ineligible for overtime or compensatory time.  Monthly Compensation: The monthly salary range before PERS* will be $6,834.00-$10,569.00 and after PERS* will be $7,306.00-$11,304.00. Work Location: North Mall Office Building, 725 Summer St. NE Suite A, Salem Oregon 97301.   Relocation Expense: This position may be eligible for relocation assistance for the successful candidate. The final amount offered will vary based on the location of the candidate. Hybrid/Remote Work: Hybrid (in the office and remote work) is generally a standard offering for this position, though subject to supervisor approval. Due to the nature of stakeholder engagement for this position, full time remote work is not possible as the position must be available to attend meetings in Salem, Oregon and around the state. This position is expected to work from the office once or twice a week, or more frequently as needed to meet with staff and fulfill other business needs. The in-office expectation includes serving as Manager on Duty an average of twice a month, working regular business hours at the North Mall Office Building.     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 currently 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 position manages the newly formed Water Rights Development Section within the Water Right Services Division.  Obtaining a water right is a multi-step process. First, an applicant submits a water right application. If the application is approved, the permit specifies a timefr