Initial Posting Date:

09/22/2025

Application Deadline:

10/06/2025

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$6,123 - $9,409

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Energy Program Coordinator)

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 in Salem, Oregon.

What you will do:

• Lead ODFW’s coordination and review of terrestrial energy facility siting applications, including wind, solar, transmission lines and other energy infrastructure.

• Serve as the statewide coordinator for energy-related permitting and planning processes, including coordination with ODFW staff across the Habitat, Fish and Wildlife Divisions, and ODFW Watershed Districts for statewide consistency and engagement. Provide technical support and training to ODFW staff on energy project review and mitigation.

• Evaluate and recommend mitigation strategies for impacts to fish, wildlife and habitat resources to ensure consistency with the ODFW Fish and Wildlife Habitat Mitigation Policy.

• Lead ODFW’s participation in the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) site certificate application process to identify and mitigate for the impacts of terrestrial energy facility projects on fish, wildlife and habitat resources, and apply biological expertise to interpret technical studies related to habitat assessments or species surveys.

• Distribute applications, study proposals and reports to ODFW staff for review and comment; synthesize, revise and finalize ODFW comments to ensure consistency with ODFW administrative rules, policies, standards and guidelines.

• Represent ODFW in negotiations and policy discussions regarding renewable energy development with applicants, consultants, ODFW Watershed District and Region staff, state and federal agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders.

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.

What we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications:

To meet the qualifications, candidates must meet at least one of the following options:

• Option 1: Eight years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

• 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 related coursework and five years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

• Option 3: A Master's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely related Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework and four years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

• Option 4: A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely related Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework and three years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a biological or ecological program. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities.

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:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Skill in building and maintaining productive partnerships with stakeholders, including energy developers, consultants, local governments and regulatory agencies.

• Demonstrated experience with terrestrial energy facility siting and permitting, including familiarity with wind, solar and transmission infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze statutes, administrative rules, and policies.

• Experience with evaluating the potential effects of development proposals and negotiating mitigation strategies for impacts to fish, wildlife, and habitat resources.

• Using GIS software and decision support tools.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

The Oregon 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.

• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

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.

• 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

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

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer