Initial Posting Date:
02/11/2021
Application Deadline:
03/11/2021
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$5,106 – $7,847
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 4 (Fish Conservation Biologist)
Job Description:
Make a Difference in Oregon’s Natural Resources!
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.
Are you passionate about science and making a difference with Oregon’s native fish populations? Do you have strong quantitative skills and experience with population modeling and analysis? Then this position may be for you! Join the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Research, Evaluation, Data and Decision support (REDD) group in Corvallis to evaluate the effects of human activities, environmental conditions, and proposed management actions on the biological status and future viability of native fish species. Don’t delay, apply today! Initial interviews are anticipated to be held via phone, video or virtual interview due to the current situation related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
To learn more about the department and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about
What you will do:
• Develop complex, technical scientific analyses based on population and conservation biology concepts that will assist ODFW and other local, state, federal, tribal, private, stakeholder, and public groups to develop on-the-ground fisheries management and conservation strategies to reduce impacts and ensure the persistence of native fish populations. Assess ecological and genetic risk factors in the context of current and past fish species abundance, distribution, productivity, and diversity. Review and evaluate complex conservation issues statewide. Develop policy guidance for presentation to ODFW’s Fish Division Administrator, Director, and Commission, and others as needed. Lead or participate in planning, assessment, and reporting processes. Negotiate resolution of complex conservation issues, consistent with state policies. Lead conservation status reviews, including those for Oregon’s threatened and endangered species, and coordinate with ODFW Regions and Divisions on process, listing criteria, information development, survival guidelines development, monitoring, interaction with affected agencies, incidental take permits, coordination with tribes, and presentations to the Commission, other state and federal agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Disseminate new information on population and conservation biology relevant to fish management, research, and conservation. Provide pertinent information and evaluation of management efforts to ODFW biologists, scientists from other agencies, and the public. Write reports and scientific, peer-reviewed journal articles related to the conservation of native fish in Oregon, with a focus on synthesizing new findings, accomplishments, and data summaries arising from ODFW programs and projects. Prepare expert testimony for use by ODFW’s Fish Division Administrator and Director, and others as needed. Assist the REDD group in developing innovative monitoring and analytical approaches for fish population status evaluations.
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.
Working Conditions
• Most of the work takes place in a general office environment. Occasional out-of-town travel, commercial air travel, automobile travel, and field work is required. Field work and travel may occur during adverse weather conditions.
• Requires a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with a wide range of agency staff, scientists, and stakeholders; the ability to communicate clearly in various media with a wide range of audiences, and the ability to establish credibility for ODFW’s scientific analyses, policies, and management actions.
• Requires 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. This includes working at all hours and workdays in excess of eight hours.
Criminal Records/DMV Check
Applicants are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current certified driving record for review to be considered for the position. Be prepared to obtain as soon as possible. You are expected to provide the out-of-state certified driving record before an offer can be made unless extenuating circumstances exist. Adverse background information may disqualify you from further consideration.
NOTE: 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.
We are seeking applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have the following skills and experience:
Minimum Qualifications:
Five years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in fish biology, management, or a related field. At least three years of the experience must be at a technical or professional level in a fisheries program, or related field with a focus in population analytics performing the following technical activities: researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities; AND
A Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Science, or a closely-related Bachelor’s degree with a focus in fish biology or management with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework, or three additional years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in fish research, management, or related field with a focus in population analytics.
A Master’s degree in Fisheries Science, or a closely-related Master’s degree with a focus in fish biology or management will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
A Doctorate degree in Fisheries Science, or a closely-related Doctorate degree with a focus in fish biology or management will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
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.
Requested Skills:
• Evaluating the status of anadromous salmonid populations listed under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Knowledge of population status, life history patterns and habitat requirements of anadromous salmonids
• Strong quantitative skills and knowledge of population modeling and assessment
• Analyzing informing, developing and implementing natural resource policy
• Using a variety of tools to perform statistical analysis to inform and publish scientific data
Additional Information:
Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the “Job History” section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. Resumes will not replace the completed “Job History” section in your online application. You may be disqualified if your experience listed in the “Job History” section does not include information used to: 1) meet the minimum qualifications of the job and 2) back up your answers to the supplemental questions. If any of the positions listed in your application are part time or seasonal, be sure to include the dates you worked (month and year) and the average amount of hours worked per week in the duties section. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.
Note: You will be required to provide a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts (online transcripts are acceptable) during the selection process that show your name, the name/address of the institution, coursework with passing grades, and degree conferred (including date), if you are using education to qualify. Transcripts and cover letters can be attached to your application in the Resume/CV/Cover Letter attachments field when you apply. Cover letters may not be reviewed unless it is stated as a requirement in the job posting.
For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application, click here
Notes for External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. The system will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity.
The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (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.
Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.
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.
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.
Veterans – If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans’ preference points will be added to your score. For more information on veterans’ preference points visit www.oregonjobs.org and select Veterans resources under Resources. Please do not attach veteran documentation to your initial application, after you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time.
Find information on State of Oregon benefits
More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts 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