Initial Posting Date:
03/02/2026Application Deadline:
03/09/2026Agency:
Department of Fish and WildlifeSalary Range:
$4,519 - $6,276Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Wildlife Research 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 full-time, permanent position located in Central Point, Oregon.
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. Opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing abound. 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. Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Music, museums, and community events help Oregonians celebrate its diversity as well as its connectedness. Oregon truly offers a rich cultural experience that is unique to the Pacific Northwest!
To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk
What you will do:
In this role you will assist the West Region research team with planning, designing, and conducting wildlife research studies in several Oregon locations. Duties will include capturing, immobilizing, and euthanizing wildlife; attaching and monitoring radio-collars and ear tags; and conducting trend surveys to determine wildlife population density and estimates. This will also involve working with your supervisor to compile, analyze, interpret, and report the research results.
NOTE: This position will involve the occasional use of firearms as well as require an ATV Safety Education Card to be obtained within the first 6 months of employment.
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.
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.
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 leading field crew
Experience conducting wildlife capture and chemical immobilization
Experience coordinating complex field logistics
Experience overseeing field data quality assurance and quality control
Experience working collaboratively with diverse partners
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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