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POSITION TITLE:                                Water Policy Analyst

 

SALARY:                                             Pay Range: 12 

                                                            $74,186.16- $115,015.00 annual DOE/DOQ

                                                                        

DEPARTMENT:                                   Department of Natural Resources, Water Resources Program

 

LOCATION:                                         Nixyáawii Governance Center, Mission, Oregon

 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:                    Full Time with benefits package; Exempt (technical/professional)

 

SUPERVISED BY:                                Manager, Water Resources Program

 

OPENING DATE:                                 August 10, 2026

 

CLOSING DATE:                                  Open until filled with review September 10, 2026

 

 

CTUIR MISSION STATEMENT 

 

Exercise the Tribe’s sovereign authority to achieve the maximum protection of resources identified in the Treaty of 1855, to protect newly acquired lands wherein the Tribe has a vested interest, to protect the lands of all the citizens and residents of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This position will protect human life, water, land, air, and wildlife by exercising professional skills and abilities in the protection of the resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. 

 

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

 

The CTUIR Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Mission is:

 

To protect, restore, and enhance the First Foods - water, salmon, deer, cous, and huckleberry—for the perpetual cultural, economic, and sovereign benefit of the CTUIR.  We will accomplish this utilizing traditional ecological and cultural knowledge and science to inform: 1) population and habitat management goals and actions; and 2) natural resource policies and regulatory mechanisms. 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

 

In support of the overall CTUIR mission and the DNR mission, the Water Resources Program’s mission is to ensure that ground and surface waters are available to satisfy CTUIR treaty rights, and to protect, enhance and restore the First Foods, and to satisfy the needs of CTUIR members and citizens of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Water Resources will accomplish this by implementing: 1) Tribal Water Resources Program Plan of Operations, and 2) CTUIR Water Code procedures and regulations to promote sustainable water use and management.

 

The Water Policy Analyst will carry out the above integrated missions through coordination with CTUIR staff and DNR Programs, CTUIR policy representatives, the tribal public, and non-tribal parties to identify, analyze, manage, and utilize opportunities to protect, restore, and enhance water resources necessary to support the First Foods and related Treaty-reserved rights.  Work will include both on and off-reservation areas and processes involving local, state, and national water resource management. The Water Policy Analyst will assist in the implementation, representation, and maintenance of a comprehensive First Foods Policy, with a focus on water and water-related elements.

 

The Water Policy Analyst will be the lead person in identifying, monitoring, participating in, and advising CTUIR policy representatives about efforts and processes that present threats to water resources and opportunities to protect, restore, and enhance water resources in the CTUIR’s ceded territories and aboriginal use areas.  The policy analyst will coordinate with and support other CTUIR staff working on broader water management issues.

 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Strategic Planning

  1. Provide the Water Resources Program support to the Umatilla Basin Water Rights Settlement effort, including assisting the Tribal Negotiation Team, coordinating with the Oregon Water Resources Department, Federal Team, and basin stakeholders, to successfully advance the Water Rights Settlement. 
  2. Provide staff-level support, coordinating with other DNR programs and non-tribal interests, in the development, procurement of funding, and phased implementation of comprehensive flow restoration in the Walla Walla River Basin and implementation of the Walla Walla 2050 strategic plan, and support for CTUIR participation in the Columbia River Policy Advisory Group and related basin-scale policy forums.
  3. Monitors, and assists in the development of Oregon, Washington, and Federal water-related legislation, facilitating inter-disciplinary reviews with DNR Programs and CTUIR Communications and Office of Legal Counsel, CTUIR Commissions, Committees, Board of Trustees. Recommend legislation changes, CTUIR policy positions, and consistently communicates CTUIR policy positions. 
  4. Support implementation of CTUIR’s River Vision by assisting DNR programs in reviewing water resource policy issues, planning efforts, regulatory actions, and intergovernmental processes for consistency with River Vision touchstones, First Foods protection, watershed function, water quality, floodplain and channel processes, and groundwater and surface water interactions.
  5. Support the Water Resources Program Manager in developing drought response, water conservation, and climate resilience policy materials by translating water supply, groundwater, surface water, and First Foods information into briefing materials, policy options, intergovernmental coordination materials, and decision-support tools for CTUIR leadership and regulatory bodies.

 

  1. Assist in the development of DNR Water Resources Program work plans and other related tribal planning processes and products. 

Operations

  1. Interact and engage with tribal public, CTUIR policy and regulatory (Tribal Water Commission, Fish and Wildlife Commission, others as needed), and representatives, and other CTUIR staff to implement, update, and maintain the comprehensive First Foods Policy. 
  2. Work with non-tribal parties in CTUIR Ceded Basins, CTUIR staff, its lobbyists, governmental representatives, and Oregon and Washington State Regulatory and Advisory bodies to strategically respond to water resource management issues and protect and restore water resources in CTUIR’s areas of rights and interests. 
  3. Review and draft responses to federal and state water resource use and management proposals and decisions issued pursuant to local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  4. Apply knowledge of local, state and federal water management processes to effectively advocate in support of CTUIR First Foods and Treaty-reserved rights, including but not limited to water rights.
  5. Assist the CTUIR Office of Legal Counsel and DNR as needed and directed, in identifying and assessing threats to CTUIR’s water rights settlement strategies in the CTUIR’s ceded territories and aboriginal use areas.
  6. Assist the Water Code Administrator, the CTUIR Office of Legal Counsel, and DNR as needed and directed in implementing, reviewing, developing, and modifying the CTUIR Tribal Water Code to ensure that the Code and its administration are legally founded, defensible, and aligned with CTUIR water authority, jurisdiction, water rights, First Foods Policy, River Vision, and Treaty-reserved rights.
  7. Track, monitor, and analyze evolving case law and political developments involving Indian tribes, water rights settlements, water quality, and related legal matters.
  8. Travel occasionally for periods, up to seven (7) days, for meetings and conferences, and work extended hours and weekends.
  9. Perform other related duties as assigned. 

 

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

None

SIGNATORY AUTHORITY:

None

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS:

None

 

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate in writing he/she does meet the following minimum qualifications.)

 

  1. The applicant must possess the following educational background:
    1. Juris Doctorate (J.D.) with coursework in water and natural resource laws (e.g. NEPA, CWA, ESA) and policies, land use planning, public administration, and preferably federal Indian law and/or western water law; must be a member in good standing of the Oregon or Washington State Bar or able to qualify for membership within one year of employment; OR

 

  1. Bachelor’s Degree (B.S./B.A.) or higher degree (graduate degree preferred) in a natural resources-related discipline (e.g., biological or life sciences, natural resources, environmental policy) with course in natural resources sciences, management, and planning or water resources science, management, and planning.
  2. With a J.D.: Three years of experience in and demonstrated knowledge of Oregon and Washington water laws, regulations and policy, or federal Indian law, or federal water law, regulations, and policy.

 

  1. The applicant must possess the following experience:

 

  1. With a B.S./B.A.: Five years of experience in and demonstrated knowledge of Oregon and Washington water laws, regulations and policy, or federal Indian, or federal water law, regulations, and policy.
  2. Understanding of, and demonstrable experience with western United States western water law and prior appropriation doctrine strongly preferred.
  3. Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, through concise reports, memoranda, directives, emails and letters.      Must possess and demonstrate good writing, spelling, proofing, grammar and punctuation skills.
  4. Must have the ability and interest to greet the public and handle difficult situations on the phone in a professional and courteous manner.
  5. Ability to carry out assigned duties/projects in an efficient and timely manner with minimal supervision and must be able to handle multiple projects and work within defined timelines.
  6. Must be able to secure sources of information relating to Tribal problems/concerns.  Must become knowledgeable of the types of services provided by the Tribal Governmental programs.
  7. Must have extensive knowledge of computer processing equipment and software, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and other Office Suite software. A knowledge of computers and other office technological equipment must be kept current by attending training as directed by supervisor.
  8. Must have considerable knowledge of general office practices and procedures.  Individual must be highly organized and have good filing skills.
  9. Must be able to operate and maintain office machines (copiers, printers, scanners, etc.).
  10. Must have a valid state driver’s license, reliable transportation, and meet Tribal insurance requirements.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  1. Ability to use standard computer programming such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  2. Ability to stand and walk around for long periods of time.
  3. Ability to sit in automobiles and or airplanes for travel to conferences, seminars, and training.
  4. Ability to lift 25 pounds.

 

Pursuant to Tribal Worker’s Benefit Code, Section 4.02.A.  “All workers shall disclose any pre-existing physical or mental disorder and/or disability that could potentially affect or impair the worker’s ability to perform in a reasonable and safe manner the activities involved in the position in which they work. Disclosure shall be made in the employment application or interview before commencing employment or before commencing new job duties after job reclassification, reassignment, promotion, demotion, or other change in job duties. The content of such disclosure shall be made promptly by the covered worker after submitting a claim for benefits under this Code.”

 

SELECTION PROCESS:

 

Tribal Personnel Policies Manual, Section 3.01: Employment Preferences 

  1.  

The Tribe's employment preferences shall be as follows: 

 

1.  Indian Preference. It shall be the policy of the Tribe to provide preference in hiring opportunities within the Tribal government to CTUIR members and to other Indians enrolled in federally recognized tribes. This CTUIR member and Indian preference shall be applicable in all employee hiring, promotion, and transfer decisions. 

2. Veteran’s Preference. It shall be the policy of the Tribe to provide preference in hiring opportunities to veterans honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. 

3. The employment preferences set forth in this section shall apply to all Tribal programs regardless of the program's funding source and shall apply to all classes of positions referenced in §3.05. 

4. Except for the employment preferences authorized under this section, it shall be the policy of the Tribe that no employee or job applicant shall be discriminated against in pursuit of employment or career growth due to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or national origin. 

 

All CTUIR Tribal positions are competitive.  All employment applications and supportive employment material will be evaluated based on the relevance of the applicant’s qualifications and experience as it applies to this position.  Applicants who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and experience most relevant to this position will be considered qualified to compete for this position and be eligible for an interview. 

 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE:

 

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has a “Drug Free Workplace Policy” and will conduct Pre-Employment Drug Testing.  A pre-employment drug test is required before any employment offer is to be made.  All tribal employees classified as safety sensitive are subject to random Alcohol and Drug testing pursuant to the Tribal Personnel Policies Manual.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

 

Complete Tribal employment applications will be accepted until at 4:00 P.M., on the posted closing date as found on Page 1 of this announcement or postmarked by that date.  ONLY THOSE TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PACKETS WHICH ARE COMPLETE, WITH ALL ADDITIONAL REQUIRED INFORMATION, AS FOUND IN THE “REQUIRED EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PACKET MATERIAL” BELOW WILL BE CONSIDERED.  Employment application packets received after the application deadline will not be considered. 

 

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient evidence to show they fully meet the qualification requirements.

 

REQUIRED EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PACKET MATERIAL:

 

  1. Completed Tribal Employment application.
  2. Cover letter explaining your qualifications and experience relevant to the functions of this position.
  3. Personal resume identifying your qualifications and experiences relevant to the functions of this position.
  4. Completed CTUIR’s Supplemental Application Form if applicable.
  5. High School Diploma/GED or copy of official college transcripts (if applicable). 
  6. Tribal and Indian preference:   Must provide copy of Tribal Enrollment Card, Certificate of Indian Blood or such with Federally Recognized Tribe.
  7. Veteran’s preference:  Must provide proof of honorable service and discharge or completed Form DD214.
  8. Technical writing sample (5-20 pg. minimum) must be included with application materials.

 

APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY

 

It is the absolute responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient evidence to show they fully meet the minimum qualification requirements.  Applicants failing to meet the minimum qualifications are not granted interviews. If it is questionable as to whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications, an interview may be granted solely to make that determination.

 

OBTAIN AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

            Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

            Office of Human Resources

Staffing and Recruiting

46411 Timíne Way

            Pendleton, OR. 97801

            Phone: (541)429-7180

            Email: HumanResources@ctuir.org

 

To be considered, application package must be post marked by the closing date.

 

 

 

 

 

Approved: JueJue Withers-Lyons, Assistant Director, Office of Human Resources

 

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