Biological Science Assistant (Columbia River Fishery Sampler)

Initial Posting Date:

01/02/2025

Application Deadline:

01/16/2025

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$3,429 – $4,023

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Biological Science Assistant (Columbia River Fishery Sampler)

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.

To learn more about the department and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about

Location:  Based out of Astoria, Oregon. Work to be conducted primarily on the lower Columbia River downstream of Bonneville Dam.

Anticipated Duration: 

February 17, 2025 – October 31, 2025 – (1 position)

March 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 – (2 positions)

(These are estimated dates. Length of season(s) may be shortened or extended depending on project needs, funding, or factors beyond the project’s control).

What you will do:

Assist in collecting information used to estimate effort and catch in the lower Columbia River recreational fisheries and harvest in Select Area and mainstem Columbia River commercial fisheries. Additional tasks include hatchery sampling, test fishing, fishery observation, tagging and tag-recovery projects, and summary and tabulation of data. Information collected by this position is used to aid fishery management decisions, promulgation of regulations, proposing fishing seasons, and making in-season adjustments to adopted seasons. Work independently and outdoors in exposed locations. Requires walking up and down boat ramps, along marina docks, along rocky or sandy bank areas, and between fish buying stations. Driving between sampling sites is required; a state vehicle will be provided. Employees are expected to handle a variety of fish species; learn proper identification of fishes harvested in Columbia and Willamette river fisheries; and accurately record and summarize field data from angler interviews and biological sampling of catch. Lifting of fish and equipment up to 50 pounds is required. Employees are expected to effectively communicate with anglers, commercial fishers, and the general public on a daily basis.

These positions require a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day including most weekends and some night work. These positions may be physically demanding.

For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

For questions about the position, please email: Cameron.M.Duff@odfw.oregon.gov

What we are looking for:

Requirements/Requested Skills: Minimum qualifications are not established for these positions; however we are seeking applicants with the following related skills and experience (e.g., creel surveys, identifying adult fish species (especially salmonids), collecting and accurately recording biological data (particularity in the field), computer and data entry skills, powerboat operation, and face to face OR directly working work with the public) and who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with this background.

These positions require a Boater Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board. There are some exceptions to this (e.g., Coast Guard Boat Operator License or commercial fishing license). For further information, access the Web site at www.boatoregon.com. On your application, be sure to indicate in the Job History Description if you have a card or a copy of your card can be attached. If the selected applicant does not possess a card, they must obtain it within 30 days of hiring as a condition of continued employment.

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.
• Live, work, and play in Astoria, Oregon!

Application Details and Instructions 

• 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.
• If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.

Additional Details:

• Housing is not provided as a benefit for this position.
• 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 all positions. 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 jobshiringnearme.org Workday Applicant FAQ jobshiringnearme.org What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage jobshiringnearme.org Classification and Compensation jobshiringnearme.org Pay Equity

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer