Fisheries Monitoring and Research Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

Initial Posting Date:
10/15/2026
Application Deadline:
11/04/2026
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$4,738 - $7,247
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Fisheries Monitoring and Research Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 2)
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 permanent, full-time position located John Day, Oregon.
NOTE: This position requires a cover letter to be attached to your application. For information regarding this requirement, please view the "Application Details and Instructions" section in this announcement.
What you will do:
In this role, you will assist in planning, developing, and implementing research studies that evaluate escapement, productivity, and habitat conditions for spring Chinook salmon and steelhead in Northeast Oregon. This role conducts extensive fieldwork—including snorkeling, electrofishing, habitat surveys, redd counts, and adult sampling, throughout the John Day River basin.
Responsibilities include data entry and management in Access, PTAGIS, and GIS systems; developing analytical tools; and preparing reports and presentations for scientific audiences. The position also provides lead work, such as planning daily and weekly schedules and assigning project related tasks, for up to eight staff, supports statistical and experimental design, coordinates activities with agency and tribal partners, and contributes to statewide monitoring efforts by analyzing data, identifying patterns, and developing testable research hypotheses.
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.
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:
To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:
Option 1: Six 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: 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
Option 3: 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, AND a Master's degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences
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:
Coordinating and planning field crew activities
Designing field protocols and project/data reports
Collecting and entering data into a central database
Analyzing, summarizing and communicating the findings of data analyses
Using quantitative data analysis tools
Writing progress reports, technical reports or scientific publications
Application Details and Instructions
In order to be considered, the following document must be attached to your application:
A cover letter no more than 2 pages in length addressing your interest in the position and how your skills relate to the desired attributes.
If you do not attach a cover letter, or address what is described above, your application may not be considered further.
The State of Oregon does not request or r