About this role

Initial Posting Date:
11/05/2026

Application Deadline:
11/19/2026

Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:
$4,519 - $6,276

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:
Project Assistant, Fisheries Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1)

Job Description:

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.

We are hiring for one permanent, full-time position located in John Day , Oregon.

What you will do:

In this role, you will work closely with the Assistant Project Leader to coordinate field operations, provide technical guidance and training to technicians, and manage biological data for life history and natural production studies of salmon and steelhead in Northeast Oregon. Duties include:

- Use rotary screw traps, seining, snorkeling, and electrofishing to locate and collect juvenile salmon from streams throughout Northeast Oregon
- Tag juvenile salmon and steelhead with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and collect biological data
- Train technicians on field collection techniques and methods
- Follow, develop, and improve field protocols and sampling methods
- Enter data into computer databases
- Manage spreadsheet, database, and GIS models for data analysis
- Tabulate and summarize data in formats suitable for written and oral presentation
- Assist in writing draft sections of annual reports.
- Assist project leader in preparation of slides and graphics for presentation.
- Purchase and maintain field sampling equipment
- Operate drift boats and jet sleds

Note: This position requires the successful candidate to either have or be able to obtain a Boater Education Card within 6 months of hire.

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 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 experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program.

-OR-

Option 2: 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.

Desired Attributes

- Experience collecting biological data
- Experience with rotary screw trap operation
- Data management experience
- Experience with snorkeling and electrofishing
- Boating experience (training will be provided)

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 (https://wd5.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/oregon/login.htmld?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) 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 (https://www.worksourceoregon.org/for-job-seekers/worksource-events.html)! You can also view this video (https://youtu.be/UrcLxShEoao) or this knowledge article (https://www.oregon.gov/das/HR/Documents/Recruiting_ExternalCandidateApplication.pdf) 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 (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Benefits.aspx)
- 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. (https://www.oregon.gov/jobs/Pages/Veterans.aspx)

Helpful Links & Resources

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