Email resume, cover letter, and references in one PDF to:
Erin Kilcullen, District Manager
erin@deschutesswcd.org
General Position Summary
The Agricultural Irrigation Specialist is a full-time position within Deschutes Soil and Water
Conservation District (DSWCD). The Agricultural Irrigation Specialist is responsible for planning and designing various irrigation systems on private lands that will effectively optimize the use of irrigation water. This role combines fieldwork, technical knowledge, and data analysis to help agricultural producers improve water usage and efficiency. The position also serves as a technical advisor and liaison between water management authorities, agricultural stakeholders, and grower groups. This position focuses on supporting irrigators with the planning, implementation, and improvement of irrigation systems and water-use practices. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong communication and outreach skills to foster sustainable irrigation practices to irrigators in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties.
This role is based in a multi-agency office and requires collaboration with various agencies and partners. The position is under the direction of the Deschutes SWCD Board of Directors and supervised by the DSWCD Program Manager.
The primary duty of this position is to support DSWCD programs and priorities by providing technical assistance through education, site visits, and conservation planning in alignment with the District’s annual and long-range plans.
Key Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Conservation Planning (30%)

• Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and irrigation districts to improve irrigation efficiency and water savings.
• Design efficient irrigation systems (drip, sprinkler, center pivot, surface) for specific crops,

soil types, and climates.

• Supervise irrigation system construction and installation to meet standards.
• Develop irrigation water management plans aligned with producer objectives.
• Assist producers in monitoring water usage to optimize irrigation schedules and conserve water.
• Ensure irrigation practices comply with regulations; maintain water usage and system maintenance records.
• Conduct field investigations of private land for water quality and quantity concerns.
• Assist with NRCS program eligibility and applications (EQIP, CIS, RCPP)
• Coordinate with NRCS, irrigation districts, and partners on conservation initiatives.
• Utilize GPS/GIS, ArcMap, and mapping programs for conservation plans and irrigation system maps.

Outreach, Education, and Collaboration (30%)

• Attend meetings and workshops for conservation outreach and education.
• Help create educational materials for conservation programs.
• Collaborate with irrigation groups in Deschutes and Jefferson Counties to assess needs, provide support, and promote best practices.
• Lead workshops, on-farm demonstrations, annual IWM curriculum, and technical training to promote best practices in irrigation scheduling, system maintenance, and water conservation.
• Assist OSU Extension and grower groups in adopting emerging irrigation technologies (e.g., soil moisture sensors, telemetry, automation, precision irrigation).
• Coordinate with partners on conservation planning and funding.
• Help develop conservation project proposals, secure funding, and provide technical

documentation/reports.

Program Coordination and Collaboration (30%)

• Work closely with irrigation district managers, water masters, and conservation partners to coordinate ongoing and future projects.
• Manage DSWCD internal IWM program that is funded through the Districts tax levy.
• Apply, manage, and assist other staff members with grant applications and grant management.
• Ensure compliance with USDA Privacy Act regulations when handling private landowner information.

Administrative and Record Keeping (10%)

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of conservation plans and fieldwork.
• Assist in preparing reports for the District Manager, Board of Directors, and funding agencies.
• Support grant reporting and compliance documentation.
• Participate in regular staff meetings and collaborative efforts with DSWCD.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have regularly assigned supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Agriculture, engineering, soil and water science, Agronomy or a related field OR a minimum of one year of relevant experience in irrigation water conservation.
• Familiarity with NRCS conservation programs and conservation planning quality criteria.
• Familiarity with Oregon Water Law and the Deschutes Basin Irrigation systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Ability to navigate GPS/GIS equipment and mapping software (ArcMap preferred).
• Valid Oregon driver’s license and access to a reliable personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement available).

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with conservation districts, NRCS, or similar organizations.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and water conservation practices, forestry, riparian and upland ecosystems, weed management, and other natural resource concerns.
• Familiarity with conservation permitting requirements, including NEPA, Endangered Species Act, and local/state/federal regulations.
• Excellent verbal communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to facilitate group meetings and training sessions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Combination of office and fieldwork (50/50).
• Fieldwork may involve walking over rough terrain, carrying equipment, and working in inclement weather conditions.
• Occasional travel for early morning, daytime, evening, and weekend meetings, field tours,

workshops, and training sessions.

• Some flexibility in weekly scheduling is required.
• Office-based position in a smoke-free, drug-free environment.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DSWCD is committed to fostering inclusivity, engaging respectfully with all community members, and removing barriers to conservation program participation. This position supports these efforts by incorporating equity principles into all job functions and participating in relevant training.
Equal Opportunity Employer
DSWCD prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities. The District is an equal
opportunity provider and employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In perso

Please refer the Job description for details