Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Project Biologist)
State of Oregon
Initial Posting Date:
08/20/2025Application Deadline:
09/03/2025Agency:
Department of Fish and WildlifeSalary Range:
Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Project Biologist)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 full-time, permanent position located at the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area near Eugene, Oregon.
The goal of this recruitment is to fill the position at the Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2) level. However, we encourage candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) ($4,409-$6,123/mo.) to apply, as the department may consider underfilling the position.
What you will do:
In this role, you will be responsible for the restoration, enhancement and management of ODFW-owned mitigation properties near Fern Ridge Wildlife Area that have been protected for their habitat values. You will be the agency point of contact for Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program (WWMP) partners who manage mitigation sites in the South Willamette Watershed District (SWWD). Responsibilities include providing oversight on all properties purchased under the WWMP in the SWWD, communicating program priorities, writing, reviewing and implementing management plans, assisting with program monitoring efforts, developing and evaluating project proposals, and providing funding recommendations.
Note: this position will require an ATV Safety Education Card and possession of a Public Pesticide Applicator License (both of these can be obtained by the successful candidate after hire), as well as use of a state issued credit card (SPOTS).
For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.
What we are looking for:
Minimum Qualifications (NRS2):
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
One year of 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 in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely-related Master's degree in biological/ecological sciences; OR
A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences.
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.
The agency may also consider filling this position at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) level.
Minimum Qualifications (NRS1):
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:
Experience managing and maintaining wildlife habitats
Experience designing and implementing habitat restoration or enhancement projects
Experience providing recommendations on fish and wildlife habitat restoration or conservation activities
Experience reviewing, writing, and/or implementing land management plans
Experience writing progress reports, technical reports, or scientific publications
Experience conducting fish and wildlife inventory surveys
Knowledge and use of GIS software
Benefits of Joining Our Team
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (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.
Additional benefits include:
Work/life balance, 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.
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Application Details and Instructions
First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event!
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.
Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.
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%.
Reasonable accommodations 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.
Additional Details:
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 all positions. 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
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer