Mule Deer Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date:
10/15/2026
Application Deadline:
10/29/2026
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$5,458 - $8,352
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Mule Deer Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3)
Job Description:
Are you passionate about mule deer? Take the lead on mule deer management in Oregon!
This position is critical to ODFW commitment to effective and coordinated mule deer management in Eastern Oregon. This position coordinates across multiple districts, research program, and wildlife and habitat divisions to provide consistency in survey efforts, and data collection to inform an integrated population for 22 mule deer herd ranges. This position also provides guidance for habitat management efforts to address factors limiting mule deer productivity. A biennial commitment of $1.5 million dollars is being leveraged with other state and federal funds to improve mule deer habitat at a scale not previously possible. Additional information on Oregon’s renewed focus on mule deer management can be found with the following links:
Oregon Mule Deer Management Plan
Migration Matters
Mule Deer Initiative 5-Year Summary
As a Mule Deer Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3) based in La Grande, Oregon, you will be responsible for implementation of the Oregon Mule Deer Management Plan by functioning as the technical expert on mule deer management and primary point of contact between Wildlife Division and field biologists. Duties include:
Oversee implementation of mule deer plan strategies. Monitor success of plan and provide regular status updates to Wildlife Division, the Commission, and other interested parties. Collaborate with Habitat Division and District Biologists to incorporate mule deer needs and management strategies into local, state, and federal land use decisions.
Guide mule deer data collection and analysis efforts. Determine annual region capture needs. Analyze GPS collar data to assess boundaries of herd ranges to determine if updates are needed. Conduct survival analyses to assess environmental factors affecting mule deer survival and mortality. Conduct habitat use analyses to provide guidance on vegetation management projects to benefit mule deer. Conduct periodic reassessments of mule deer migration routes to identify potential barriers to migration or inform land management decisions.
Lead mule deer population monitoring efforts. Collaborate with researchers, contractors, and others to develop, and implement statistically valid mule deer population models. Evaluate model performance, identify bugs, and recommend improvements over time. Coordinate district survey efforts and implement best practices for data collection to meet data analysis and monitoring needs.
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 an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department 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 minimum qualifications and 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. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or wildlife program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities;
- 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, AND three years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program. A