Natural Resources Program Coordinator

City of Hillsboro; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERS retirement

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Life insurance

Wellness reimbursements

Hop Pass & recreation access

Job summary

City of Hillsboro is seeking a Natural Resources Program Coordinator to lead the Resource Management Team within the Water Department. You will oversee water resource programs, ensure regulatory compliance, manage budgets, and collaborate with regional partners to protect water quality and secure long-term water supply.

The role requires leadership, strong data management, and effective communication with staff, regulators, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources or related field and five years of related experience with three years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee staff including prioritizing work, performance evaluations, and training.
• Provide program management and oversight of water resource programs.
• Develop processes for compliance with federal and state environmental laws.
• Oversee planning and execution of natural resources and water efficiency programs.
• Prepare reports and presentations for staff, commissions, and the public.

Skills

Staff leadership

Regulatory compliance

Data management

Public speaking

Contract management

Budget management

Water resources

Stakeholder collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources or related field

Job description

About This Opportunity

Come join a high-functioning, enthusiastic team overseeing the department's environmental, source water protection and water supply management programs! The City of Hillsboro's Water Department provides water to over 90,000 customers within the City and is the managing agency for the Joint Water Commission, which serves over 400,000 customers in Washington County. As the Natural Resources Program Coordinator, you will lead the Resource Management Team, ensuring projects meet objectives, timelines and budgets. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Water Dept. which is part of a forward-thinking City and a partner in several momentous regional projects. Collaboration is key in this position, as the Water Resources Program Coordinator will work closely with all divisions of the Water Department, the Joint Water Commission, the Barney Reservoir Joint Ownership Commission, as well as external stakeholders and regulators.

What You Will Be Doing

As the Natural Resources Program Coordinator, you will oversee key water resource programs that support the City's commitment to safe, reliable, and sustainable water. This role combines program management, regulatory compliance, staff leadership, and regional collaboration to protect water quality and ensure long-term water supply sustainability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervises staff including: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained including demonstrating proper analytical methods, data collection techniques, database and software management, and reporting and documentation; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Provides program management and oversight of the City's water resource and regional water supply programs.
• Develops and implements processes, evaluates options and troubleshoots issues for: Safe Drinking Water Act compliance, Clean Water Act compliance, Prior Appropriation Doctrine compliance, Endangered Species Act consultations, National Environmental Policy Act coordination, Source Water Protection Program, Water Quality Program, and other Department programs to ensure public health and drinking water quality is maintained in the City.
• Oversees the planning and execution of water programs related to natural resources, source water protection, and water efficiency including regulatory compliance required by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Health Authority's Drinking Water Program, and Oregon Water Resources Department, and/or oversees the development and tracking of water usage to meet Oregon Division 86 requirements.
• Develops and implements department policies and procedures related to programs.
• Prepares and maintains reports and presentations including: staff reports, commission reports and presentations, public presentations, outreach and public information materials, and project update reports. Reviews and approves reports drafted by program staff for regulatory compliance submission and program status.
• Presents information and recommendations to regional water supply boards and commissions.
• Develops, administers, and manages requests for proposals, drafts scopes of work, manages contracts, amendments and intergovernmental funding and grant agreements; manages consultant work through soliciting, contracting, directing, and reviewing deliverables.

For full job classification details please click here.

Successful Candidates Will Have:

• Ability to effectively oversee the work of staff and consultants to ensure a variety of programs and projects meet the department's needs.
• Background in natural resource management programs, specifically water related.
• Experience working with regulatory reporting and compliance deadlines.
• Experience leading teams, assigning work, and developing staff.
• Ability to build partnerships and work successfully with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience managing contracts and preparing budgets.
• Strong data management skills and experience with data quality.
• Experience researching and analyzing issues, compiling data and preparing reports.
• Strong writing skills, ability to give public presentations, and lead team and project meetings.
• Experience with data analysis, water rights, water demands, source water protection, and environmental permitting.

Current and Upcoming Projects

• Current: Source water protection plan update, watershed harmful algal bloom engagement, environmental permitting for capital projects, stakeholder partnership projects for land and water conservation in the watershed, municipal demand projections, water rights management and supply planning.

• Upcoming: Grant applications for wildfire mitigation projects, climate change impacts assessment, analytical software procurement and implementation, representing the water department in City-wide environmental and sustainability efforts.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Science and Management, Chemistry, Engineering, Hydrology, Geography, or a closely related field and five years of related experience with three years of supervisory experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and safe driving record.

Why Join Hillsboro?

At the City of Hillsboro, you'll play a meaningful role in shaping the community's future while working alongside dedicated professionals committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellent public service. Your expertise will directly support safe development, economic growth, and a high quality of life for our residents.

Join us and help build the future of Hillsboro - one project at a time.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free TriMet annual Hop Pass and SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center recreation access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about our robust benefits package, please visit our Benefits Page.

Commitment to Equity

At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.