Salary Range: $4,441 – $6,794

Full Time

Application Deadline: 07/22/2021

See full job and application details at https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/Enterprise–ODFW/Natural-Resource-Specialist-3–District-Fish-Biologist-_REQ-69188-1

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:

• Plan, assign and conduct biological surveys. Determine: inventory methodology by analyzing advantages and disadvantages of different techniques and reviewing data, literature and past reports; determine fish species composition; determine fish population distribution; determine fish population abundance; determine fish production; and determine fish mortality rates. Make recommendations for population protection and management to staff, the commission and public. Co-manage fisheries resources with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

• Plan, assign and conduct redd or harvest surveys. Determine fish harvest by analyzing harvest inventory, which includes total catch, daily catch or catch per hour. Make recommendations for harvest regulation to headquarter staff, tribal co-managers, commission and public. Determine need for hatchery fish for ponds and lakes in the district by deciding the species needed, numbers and size of fish to be stocked, which stocking method is to be used, and locations to be stocked. Use redd surveys to determine spawning success of a number of species. Conduct ongoing review of projects to ensure scientific validity of methods and results. Write proposals to initiate needed research.

• Protect fish habitat. Conduct or sees that investigations are conducted. Investigate fish kills, determine total numbers and species killed. Determine potential impacts on fish resource from logging, road building, water withdrawals, land use changes, construction, zone changes, agriculture, grazing, fill and removal of streams and wetlands, stream alteration, lake alteration. Investigate water pollution in streams and lakes and provide information to proper authorities for resolution. Determine potential impacts to upstream and downstream fish passage from water withdrawal structures, barriers and hydro power activities. Negotiate corrective or mitigative actions with agencies or companies or individuals for habitat alterations. Provide formal testimony of consequences of land use decisions to boards and commissions. Provide expertise and technical assistance to landowners, watershed councils and the public.

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
• Requires physical abilities to perform instant or sustained arduous physical activity.  Job requires employee to travel by either boat, air, foot, vehicle or horseback through isolated, rugged terrain in inclement weather.

• May periodically work with upset individuals and groups of people. This position requires a well-developed sense of diplomacy when working with different stakeholder groups.

• This position will perform public service to customers on a number of subjects including, but not limited to the Electronic Licensing System (ELS), special licenses and permits, and fill and removal comments and guidance.

• 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.

• This position also requires 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 your job description if you have these cards or a copy of your card(s) can be attached. If the selected applicant does not possess these, they must obtain them within three months.

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.

We are seeking applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have the following skills and experience:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three 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; 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.
  • A Master’s degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely-related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
  • A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences 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:

• Fishery management, with an emphasis on resident and anadromous salmonids listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

• Experience with conservation and recovery of fish populations, including hatchery and harvest management

• Understanding of tribal co-management and the nexus to managing harvest, hatcheries, habitat, and other regulatory matters

• Habitat protection and enhancement, with an emphasis on waterway alteration permitting knowledge and experience

• Knowledge of constructing scientific studies to answer questions relevant to management needs

• Using software to analyze biological data, speaking and making presentations, and writing reports

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 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.

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/