Initial Posting Date:
07/03/2025
Application Deadline:
07/10/2025
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$4,409 - $6,123
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Project Biologist)
Job Description:
This is a full time, Limited Duration position with an anticipated start date of July 15, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
We will also consider a Job Rotation for current, regular status ODFW employees in good standing in a permanent or limited duration position (not temporary or seasonal) that is expected to continue through at least December 31, 2025. Please attach approval from your current manager to be considered for this job rotation in the resume/cover letter section of your application.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!
Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!
As a Natural Resource Specialist 1 – (Project Biologist) in Corvallis, Oregon, you will serve as a project biologist and assist with overseeing field crews working on a project or project(s) related to the Coastal Chinook Research and Monitoring Program. The duties for this position include:
Assist with overseeing a crew of up to 3 surveyors in conducting electronic creel surveys and spawning ground surveys. Assist in pre- and post-season planning and preparation. Acquire, maintain, and inventories survey supplies and equipment, including project vehicles and boats. Any purchase must follow agency procedures and policies. Trains surveyors on safe conduct of survey protocol and field procedures and use of provided equipment. Schedule field duties of surveyors. Drive to remote sites and hike along rivers to work with crews and assist in project activities. Review, proof and organize data collected by field crews.
Provide weekly summaries of field data to Corvallis Lab and ODFW District staff. Identify potential problems and communicate problems to project staff in a timely manner. Summarizes data into tables and figures that can be easily interpreted and conducts statistical analysis for reports. Assist with analyses and report preparation at end of season. Independently prepares end of season summary reports detailing general conditions, accomplishments, and issues for season. Include suggestions for future improvements for program.
Communicate and coordinate activities, and provide data specifically related to project results, progress and issues to other ODFW personnel, other public agencies, industry, and public. Coordinate creel surveys. Works with volunteers as needed following established agency protocols. Coordinate with other ODFW projects in contacting landowners, conducting shared surveys, etc.
Following prescribed electronic creel protocols, conduct in-person creel surveys by interviewing anglers to determine harvest and release of salmon and additional fishery information, identifying fish to species, and collecting biological samples primarily from harvested Chinook Salmon. Use knives and other tools to retrieve parts of fish for aging and/or identification. Surveyors also may request permission from private landowners to conduct surveys on their property.
Work daily, including weekends and some evenings on docks, and at boat launching ramps in all kinds of weather. Survey work entails walking up and down boat ramps and narrow docks, regularly climbing into and out of boats, and lifting fish containers or equipment up to 50 pounds with assistance. This position interfaces with members of the public daily. This position requires use of a smart phone application and computers to enter data.
Assist with other ODFW projects, including spawning ground surveys, sorting fish at hatchery traps, and collecting coded-wire tags from hatchery fish. Navigates to sites using written directions, maps, and/or GPS. Identifies fish to species, counts fish in-river, assesses fish activity and condition, and collects biological samples from salmon carcasses encountered. Walks or boats streams to conduct spawning surveys. Use knives and other tools to retrieve parts of fish for aging and/or identification. Works in adverse weather conditions, uneven surfaces, on boats and stream banks.
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, click here.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework;
-OR-
Three years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program.
Desired Attributes
Customer service experience
Experience collecting and recording data
Experience leading field crews in a natural resource setting
Microsoft Access, Excel and Word, GIS experience
Experience writing progress or technical reports and scientific publications
APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS
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!
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 contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503.947.6051
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
Live, work and play in Corvallis, 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. 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 | What You Need to Know to Get the Job
Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity |
Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon
More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts 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
