Position Title:  Agricultural Irrigation Specialist

Office Location:  Klamath Falls, Oregon (this is not a remote opportunity)

Functional Area: Conservation

Employment Status: Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt.  SWCD operations are primarily supported by grants & contracts.

Compensation:  $65,000 - $75,000.  The compensation is based on experience and typically starts at the lower end of the range.  Personal vehicle use may occasionally be required of this position; mileage reimbursement will be provided at the current GSA rate. 

Benefits:  The District offers 11 paid holidays, accrual of 8 hours of vacation leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month, and $450.00 per month allocation for the employee to purchase health insurance. 

Position Summary: The Agricultural Irrigation Specialist will be employed by the Klamath Soil & Water Conservation District but will work most closely with and report to the USDA NRCS District Conservationist.  In this role, the Agricultural Irrigation Specialist will focus on supporting private land irrigators with the planning, implementation, and improvement of agricultural irrigation systems.  This role will also include serving as a liaison and technical advisor between water management authorities, agricultural stakeholders, and grower groups.  The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise with communication & outreach to foster sustainable irrigation practices in Klamath County.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Technical Assistance (75%) 
  • Provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and irrigation districts to improve irrigation efficiency, including saving energy and water. 
  • Design efficient irrigation systems (surface, sprinkler, center pivot, drip) for specific crops, soil types, and climates. 
  • Oversee irrigation system construction and verify installation in accordance with standards. 
  • Assist producers in managing irrigation water utilizing current technology. 
  • Ensure irrigation practices comply with regulations; maintain water usage and system maintenance records. 
  • Assist clientele with NRCS program eligibility and applications (EQIP, CSP, RCPP) 
  • Coordinate with NRCS, irrigation districts, and partners on conservation initiatives. 
  • Utilize GPS, GIS, and other technology for mapping irrigation systems and managing program data. 
• Administrative (15%) 
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation of activities. 
  • Participate in meetings with irrigators, stakeholders, and District Conservationist in Klamath County to coordinate work and prioritize where technical assistance will be provided. 
  • Participate when requested in staff meetings and collaborative efforts with agency partners. 
  • Assist in preparing reports for the District Manager, Board of Directors, District Conservationist, and funding agencies. 
  • Support grant reporting and compliance documentation. 
  • Ensure compliance with USDA Privacy Act regulations when handling private landowner information. 
• Outreach, Education, and Collaboration (10%) 
  • Ensure that the delivery of agency programs and services are compliant with policy and procedures including equal opportunity and accessibility. 
  • Help create educational materials and participate in workshops and on-farm demonstrations to promote best practices in irrigation scheduling, system maintenance, and water conservation. 
  • Help coordinate technical training and workshops. 
  • Assist other staff members with project proposals as well as grant applications and reporting. 

 Secondary Responsibilities:

• Occasional attendance at conferences, meetings, or training opportunities may require evening or weekend attendance and travel to support professional development. 
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support team adaptability. 

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Combination of field work (approx. 50%) and office work (approx. 50%) with seasonal variation. 
• Office schedule is generally M-F 8 am – 4:30 pm with ½ hour lunch break.  Field work may necessitate a varied schedule. 
• Typical office tasks will include prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Typical field tasks may require some physical exertion and will include outdoor working conditions in weather which may be uncomfortable (rain, cold temperatures, hot sun, etc.) and navigating challenging (steep, muddy, rocky, uneven, etc.) terrain. 
• Duties may require lifting and carrying moderately heavy items. 
• Duties shall be performed in a manner which supports safety and a healthy work environment including task-appropriate clothing. 
• Co-located inside a federal facility. 

Minimum Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Soil and/or Water Science, Agronomy, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Agriculture, or a related field OR a minimum of one year of relevant experience in irrigation water conservation. 
• Demonstrated ability to utilize GIS platforms. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of USDA NRCS conservation programs and conservation planning quality criteria. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of Oregon water law and production irrigation systems. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals of various backgrounds. 
• A flexible working style and the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs. 
• Experience adapting and using problem-solving skills to help manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. 
• Proficiency with MS Office suite. 
• This position requires driving a vehicle; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check and possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Soil and/or Water Science, OR a minimum of two years of relevant experience in irrigation water conservation. 
• Experience with conservation permitting requirements, including NEPA, Endangered Species Act, and local/state/federal regulations. 
• Demonstrated skill in applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of the natural resources field. 
• Experience with Klamath Basin irrigation and cropping systems. 
• Experience working with conservation districts, USDA NRCS, or similar organizations. 
• Experience in working cooperatively with local, state, and federal agency partners, multi-disciplinary teams and multi-agency efforts. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop professional skillset through application of related knowledge and skills. 
• Strong communication skills, including both verbal and written formats. 
• Experience in coordinating meetings, workshops, and trainings. 

To Apply:  Compile documents as 1 PDF file.  Include: 

• Cover Letter 

• Resume 

• 3 References 

Application review:  We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.  Application review will begin December 17, 2025.  We anticipate reaching out to schedule virtual first-round interviews in early January 2026 with a subsequent virtual interview for top candidates. 

Screening:  Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted; applicants must clearly show how they meet the qualifications through education, employment and/or volunteer history, etc.  Required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week). 

Selection & start date:  We anticipate selection & offer of employment early in February 2026.  Upon acceptance, we will initiate NRCS clearances with the start date being somewhat negotiable but ideally not later than March 2026. 

Conditions of Employment: 

• Employment is subject to positive reference verification, successful USDA Personnel Security Clearance, and successful motor vehicle history check. 

• A trial service period of three months confirms the initial employment decision and shall commence on the first day of employment.  During this evaluation period, the employee and the District will have an opportunity to determine whether further employment with the District is appropriate. 

• Employment is subject to maintenance of a current, valid driver’s license. 

Pay Period:  First - last day of each month

Pay Date:  10th of each month

Klamath SWCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please complete the following form, including uploading documents where indicated.