Marine Reserves Ecologist

Initial Posting Date:

08/28/2026

Application Deadline:

09/17/2026

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $6,276

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Marine Reserves Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has an open position for a Marine Reserves Ecologist.  Join the Marine Reserves team to work in majestic Oregon nearshore waters!

Please note this position requires attachment of a cover letter to be submitted with your application. Please also attach your CV or resume if possible. For additional details regarding this requirement, please see the “Application Details and Instructions” section further down in this announcement.

Position description: 

As a Marine Reserves Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1) based in Newport, Oregon, you will work with the Marine Reserves Project Leader, Assistant Project Leader, and Quantitative Ecologist to carry out the ecological monitoring for Oregon’s five marine reserve sites. Work tasks include assisting with sample design and planning, leading collection of data at-sea, data entry, database maintenance, data analysis, GIS mapping, presenting information in public forums, and report writing.

This position is a member of ODFW’s Nearshore Ecology Program, which houses the marine habitat and marine reserves teams. The interdisciplinary nine-person marine reserves team is responsible for leading the management and scientific monitoring of Oregon’s marine reserves. This is a long-term monitoring and research program designed to meet the state’s goals, objectives, and policy mandates for marine reserves. This is a complex, multidisciplinary research effort with numerous monitoring and research projects conducted simultaneously.

Duties include: 

• Conducting extractive surveys (e.g. hook-and-line), and non-extractive surveys (e.g., intertidal, overseeing SCUBA surveys). Deploying oceanographic sensors (e.g., temperature and oxygen) and participating in underwater visual surveys (e.g., using remotely operated vehicles).

• Coordinating and leading volunteers in the field, deploying and retrieving equipment (e.g., moorings, oceanographic sensors, crab pots), overseeing vessel deck operations (e.g., providing direction and instructions to vessel captain and crew), and recording field data.

• Maintaining databases, analyzing ecological data, using GIS software for study design, trip planning, and analyses.

• Working as part of a team to produce products from the collected data, including data summaries, graphics, reports, and presentations.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

Clearly describe how you meet the desired attributes in your cover letter and application materials. We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline. These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary. Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

What we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

• Option 1: Three years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program

OR

• Option 2: Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological/oceanographic coursework

Desired Attributes: 

• Experience working in marine environments, preferably the Pacific Northwest, and able to work at sea for multi-day surveys 

• Experience coordinating and leading volunteers in the field

• Experience with marine ecological surveys

• Experience presenting research to technical audiences (e.g., scientific conferences), to policy decision makers, and the general public

• Experience writing outreach material, reports, and peer-reviewed publications

• Experience in database maintenance and use (e.g., Microsoft Access)

• Experience with oceanographic sensors and their calibrations (e.g., oxygen) as well as post-processing of collected data

• Experience using R software to evaluate, combine, summarize, visualize and statistically analyze complex datasets

• Experience with ArcGIS, including creating and editing shapefiles, and spatial analyses

• Preference may be given for a graduate degree with a focus in marine science 

Application Details and Instructions 

This position requires a cover letter to be submitted with your application. The cover letter should address the following:

• Your interest in this position.

• The specific skills, knowledge and experience that makes you a strong fit for the role.

• If you possess any of the desired attributes listed in the announcement, please describe how your experience aligns with them.

Failure to attach a cover letter, or address the information requested, may result in your application being removed from further consideration.

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.

• The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.

• This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified people to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other vacancies as they occur.

• State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee Workday account.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.

• Reasonable accommodation for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

• The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date. After you submit your application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans’ preference immediately following your submittal. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.

• If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please call 503.947.6051 and ask to speak to a recruiter.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

ODFW is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce as we strive to represent and better serve our neighboring communities. Our most important asset is our employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and community we serve.  With Oregon’s changing demographics, a workforce that reflects this change will make us stronger and create an opportunity for better decision making.

To learn more about the agency and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about

If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is the place for you. We have glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. You can fish 365 days a year, and there is hunting for big game, waterfowl, and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon, and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk

Additional benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.

• Finalists are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for this position. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.

• Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships

• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube,  and at myodfw.com and http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer