Initial Posting Date:
12/08/2025Application Deadline:
12/22/2025Agency:
Department of Fish and WildlifeSalary Range:
Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Assistant District Fish 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.
Make a difference in Oregon’s fisheries! We're seeking a motivated individual to support fish resource management in the upper Rogue Basin—working on habitat restoration, harvest planning, conservation efforts, and leading seasonal field staff.
This is a full-time, permanent position located in Central Point, Oregon.
What you will do:
In this role, you will assist the district fish biologist in managing the fish resources of the upper Rogue Basin. Specific areas of responsibility include habitat protection, habitat restoration, inventory of habitat and fish resources, harvest management, planning, utilization of hatchery resources, implementing selected ODFW Oregon Plan and conservation plan measures and public relations. The assistant receives direct assignments from the district biologist but often works independently on specific projects. The assistant may also direct the daily scheduling and assignments of seasonal and permanent employees within the district.
Note: This position will also require a boater education card, a Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response training certification (HAZWOPER) and use of a state issued credit card (SPOTS), for work-related purchases.
What we are looking for:
Minimum Qualifications:
In order to be considered, candidate must meet one of the following options:
Option 1: Five 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
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 and two years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program;
Option 3: A Master's degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences and 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
Option 4: 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 working with anadromous salmonids
Knowledge of salmonid life history patterns and habitat requirements
Experience working with other partners (biologists, stakeholders, landowners, volunteers, etc.), for protection of fish populations and habitats
Experience summarizing, analyzing, and presenting biological data
Experience operating non-motorized boats in swift water and motorized boats on lakes
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.
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.
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
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.
Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.
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 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.
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
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer