Assistant District Fish Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

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Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!  

As an Assistant District Fish Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 2) in Newport, Oregon, you will assist the District Fish Biologist by planning, assigning and coordinating research and management projects of specific aspects of Fish and Wildlife resources or technology on the Midcoast. Duties include:

• Assigning tasks to employees and volunteers participating in various projects

• Collecting and summarizing data, writing reports and making management decision recommendations

• Operating and maintaining adult fish traps throughout the district

• Protecting aquatic and riparian habitat within the district by frequent field investigations of land use operations

• Recommending to various regulating agencies and private landowners how they might minimize, mitigate, or eliminate damage to the fish resource

• Identifying and developing habitat improvement and public access projects

• Frequently providing information to angling groups, organizations and the public in general regarding the agency's total fish and wildlife programs, angling regulations, activities and related topics

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.

This position requires a Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response training certification (HAZWOPER),a Boater Education Certificate obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board, and an ATV Safety Card within the first six months of appointment.

For a full review of the position details, duties and working conditions, click here

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

Option 1: Two years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included one year of at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, AND 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 additional years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program;

-OR-

Option 2: One year biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, AND a Master's degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences;

-OR-

Option 3: A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences.

Note: Applicants who have obtained a Master’s degree or Doctorate that included work experience from an internship, work/study, thesis, or similar program may list this experience in their application to receive credit for the work experience. The Master’s degree/Doctorate and applicable work experience will be considered separately, and both the education and applicable experience may count toward minimum qualifications.

Desired Attributes  

• Experience with salmonid life history and habitat requirements

• Experience with habitat assessment and restoration techniques

• Experience training others with the collection of fish and habitat data in the field

• Experience with streamflow assessments and fish habitat-flow based analyses

• Experience in collaborating on projects with private landowners, personnel from other agencies, and Tribal partnerships

• Experience with frequent public interaction and representing Agency decisions, policies, and regulations

• Experience with fish hatchery management techniques, propagation, stocking, and broodstock collection

• Experience with state and federal land use and water laws and policies as they apply to fish populations and habitat

• Experience using power tools, and conducting trap site maintenance and upkeep

APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS

• Your application helps determine your starting salary. Be sure it accurately and thoroughly reflects your skills, experience, and education even if you don’t believe it directly relates to the position. We cannot accept any additional application materials submitted after the application deadline.

• 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.

• 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

• 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%

• 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

• 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

• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event!

• 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 Newport, 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

• 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 | 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