Initial Posting Date:

03/24/2026

Application Deadline:

04/05/2026

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$4,519 - $6,276

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Project Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1)

Job Description:

This is a full time, Limited Duration position with an anticipated start date of April 15, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

We will also consider a Job Rotation for current, regular status employees of the State of Oregon in good standing in a permanent or limited duration position (not temporary or seasonal) that is expected to continue through at least June 30, 2027. 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 Project Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1) in Springfield, Oregon, you will help conduct studies important to management of ESA listed Chinook Salmon and Bull Trout as well as other fisheries resources in the Willamette River. Duties include:

• Train and lead a 3-person field crew on the beautiful McKenzie River to fulfill contract obligations with US Army Corps of Engineers and Eugene Water & Electric Board

• Handle adult and juvenile ESA listed bull trout and upper Willamette River spring Chinook, and other native fishes

• Use many active and passive fish collection techniques for lentic and lotic environments

• Oversee and conduct field sampling and data collection

• Maintain data files and databases

• Assist in data summaries and analyses

• Coordinate the purchase, maintenance, and repair of vehicles and sampling equipment on projects

• Great opportunity to network among multiple ODFW teams and projects in the upper Willamette Basin.

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 acquiring a Boater Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board 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 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

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 and recording data

• Experience training crew members on proper procedures

• Summary and analysis experience

• Net and electrofishing equipment experience

• Experience writing reports

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 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! You can also view this video or this knowledge article 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

• 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. 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 | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

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