Watershed Quality Specialist

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) is a non-profit organization
committed to protecting and restoring the Upper Deschutes River basin through
cooperative, voluntary efforts with watershed landowners, residents and other
stakeholders. The UDWCs water quality monitoring program is managed by the
Water Quality Specialist and includes a combination of tasks in water quality
monitoring, data analysis, reporting, outreach and grant writing. The Water Quality
Specialist will independently manage all aspects of the UDWCs water quality
monitoring and reporting program.

This position is funded by state and federal grants, and supported by numerous
watershed partners. The position is limited in duration to approximately 24 months,
but may be extended depending upon performance and available funding. The
position is located in Bend, Oregon.

Duties:

Program Management

• Develop and manage the project schedule and work plan to meet critical
  benchmarks and deadlines.
• Track and maintain the project budget per grant agreements.
• Prepare progress and final reports to satisfy requirement of granting entities.
• Develop new funding opportunities to continue program development and
  long-term support.
• Serve as the liaison between the UDWC and project partners (e.g.,
  non-profits, agencies, funding sources, municipalities and the public) in all
  matters regarding the water quality monitoring program.
• Work with the Executive Director and Technical Advisory Committee to
  modify program development, as necessary, to adapt to local water quality
  monitoring needs.

Water Quality Monitoring

• Facilitate annual monitoring activities with basin collaborators to achieve an
  efficient and effective system for collecting and analyzing water quality
  data.
• Manage and conduct field monitoring, including site selection, equipment
  deployment, data collection and analysis. Some field work may require travel
  in remote locations and under adverse weather conditions. Monitoring may
  include temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, macroinvertebrates and
  other parameters.
• Develop volunteer monitoring program including local recruitment, training
  and management of volunteers.
• Work with staff at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to
  support development and implementation of the TMDLs. Support may
  include public outreach, data compilation or analysis, or other tasks.
• Compile and analyze monitoring data; manage water quality database.
• Prepare monitoring reports and presentations for a diverse range of
  audiences.
• Attend applicable meetings and conduct public outreach to share water
  quality information and gather stakeholder input.

Qualifications:

Applicants should hold a minimum of an undergraduate degree in Environmental
Science, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Physical Chemistry, Biology,
or equivalent. A graduate degree is desirable, although relevant professional
experience may substitute for an advanced degree. Ability to develop and lead
independent field monitoring and data analysis is required. The successful
candidate will also have exceptional organizational skills, strong initiative, computer
proficiency, and advanced technical writing and oral communication skills. GIS
skills are desired, although not required.

Compensation:
$2,500 - $3,000 per month, depending on experience. Benefits include paid federal
holidays, 4 weeks per year of combined sick and vacation leave, and a $200 per
month medical stipend. The duration for this position is 2 years, with a possible
extension.

Closing Date: June 27, 2003

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates may submit a cover letter, rsum, and a minimum of three
references to:

Ryan Houston,
Executive Director
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
PO Box 1812
Bend OR 97709-1812

Electronic mail: rhouston@deschuteswatersheds.org
(Microsoft Word format)

References will not be contacted without prior consent of the applicant.