Nearshore Fish & Habitat Biologist/Assistant Project Leader

Initial Posting Date: 06/03/2026

Application Deadline: 06/23/2026

Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range: $4,738 – $7,247 monthly

position Type: Employee

Position Title: Nearshore Fish & Habitat Biologist/Assistant Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

Job description:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

Please note that this position requires both a cover letter and a current resume/CV to be attached to your application. The cover letter should address your qualifications related to the desired attributes listed in this announcement. Failure to attach these documents, or not address the cover letter requirements, may result in your application being removed from further consideration.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

As a Nearshore Fish & Habitat Biologist/Assistant Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 2) based in Newport, Oregon,  you will assist the Marine Habitat Project Leader in researching and monitoring nearshore marine habitats and associated fish and invertebrate communities. Work tasks include conducting seafloor video surveys using remotely operated vehicles, and collecting, post-processing, analyzing, and archiving survey data. This work supports the Marine Habitat team’s goals of providing a coast-wide habitat focus to the Nearshore Ecology Program and addressing habitat-related resource management needs within the Marine Resources Program, especially within Oregon’s Territorial Sea. Duties include:

• Conducting at-sea research and monitoring fieldwork, including remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys of seafloor habitats and associated biological communities
• Managing multiple ROVs and other field equipment, such as cameras, lights, oxygen sensors, altimeters, hydrophones, and acoustic beacons
• Post-processing (QAQC) raw field data to produce organized archives of electronic records from the ROV, and organize and back up all ROV video data
• Implementing and adapting R software scripts to perform data QC, summaries, and analyses
• Assisting with developing and implementing new methods for surveying nearshore habitat and associated biological communities
• Creating site maps in ArcGIS to support design and planning of field surveys
• Assisting project leader in developing written reports and report graphics

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, 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

Option 1: 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; OR three additional years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program;

–OR-

Option 2: 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;

–OR-

Option 3: 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 in marine environments and able to work at sea for multi-day surveys
• Experience with marine ecological surveys
• Experience with single camera and stereo camera environmental survey systems
• Experience troubleshooting electronic sensor-based data acquisition systems, such as cameras, altimeters, acoustic sensors, and environmental probes
• Experience with maintaining electrical equipment (such as oceanographic equipment) in an aquatic environment
• Experience using R software to evaluate, combine, summarize, visualize and analyze complex datasets
• Experience with ArcGIS, including creating and editing shapefiles
• Experience driving small boats in a marine environment
• Preference given for a Masters degree or higher with a focus in marine science

APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS

• 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.
• 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%
• 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
• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
• Reasonable accommodation 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 call 503.947.6051 and ask to speak to a recruiter

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

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.

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

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. 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. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk

Additional benefits include:

• 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• 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. 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 jobshiringnearme.org Workday Applicant FAQ jobshiringnearme.org Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage jobshiringnearme.org Classification and Compensation jobshiringnearme.orgReady to Relocate to Oregon jobshiringnearme.org Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

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