Oregon Plan Monitoring Surveyor

Initial Posting Date:

09/09/2026

Application Deadline:

09/16/2026

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$3,515 - $4,124

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Oregon Plan Monitoring Surveyor (Biological Science Assistant)

Job Description:

Streams Conservation Employment Opportunity!

Make a difference in Oregon’s Natural Resources!

Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

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

Location:

This is a full-time, permanent position based out of Corvallis, Oregon. This position will perform fish and habitat surveys in streams and rivers throughout Oregon. 

What you will do:

The primary responsibilities of this position will be to conduct field surveys and assist in the implementation of the statewide inventory project to provide quantitative assessments of habitat in streams and standing waters and information on fish species composition, distribution, and abundance in streams throughout Oregon. Some of the duties will include:

• Conducting spawning ground surveys by locating, driving to, and walking or using a non-motorized boat in selected stream reaches to count salmonids in remote sites. Obtaining gender, length, and biological samples from spawned or dead salmon.

• Describing channel morphology and instream habitat characteristics.

• Conducting in-stream flow studies to determine the flows necessary to provide habitat for fish to spawn, rear, and migrate.

• Accurately and clearly transcribing field data to appropriate data forms. Completing map work, verifying data, and labeling photos in the office.

• Locating sites with a map, compass, and global positioning system (GPS).

• Communicating with landowners to obtain permission to conduct surveys.

• Organizing and mounting scale samples to prepare for reading.

• Hiking into and along streams daily. (Walk 0.75 – 1.5 miles of stream daily 4 days/week). Working in hot, cold, rainy weather and over rough terrain.

• Occasionally camping or backpacking in remote areas.

• This position requires a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, but does not exceed forty (40) hours in a workweek.  Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor.

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.

Questions about the position? Please contact Briana Sounhein at [email protected]

Clearly describe how you meet the desired attributes in your 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:

Requirements/Requested Skills:

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, we are seeking applicants with the following experience or skills. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with these skills and background:

• Ability to conduct field work under a variety of weather conditions ranging from heat in summer to cold in winter.

• Experience (e.g., fish sampling, conducting habitat surveys, hydrology, or biological sampling)

• Must be self-motivated, willing to work under a variety of conditions, and responsible for the quality of data collected

• Anyone who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences.

• Comfortable communicating with team members and the public

• Must maintain their own schedule, decide how to safely and efficiently access and work in streams and estuary, and collect data following a complex protocol. 

• Must work independently, often in remote areas.  Surveyors may be able to contact a field supervisor by phone or email only once per week and be visited in the field only once every two to three weeks.

Application Details and Instructions 

• 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.

• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' 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