Initial Posting Date:
04/15/2021
Application Deadline:
04/29/2021
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$4,806.00 – $7,092.00
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Supervising Fish and Wildlife Biologist (District Fish Biologist) 2 Positions in Bend & The Dalles
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 doing what’s best for fish and their habitat? Make a difference in Oregon’s fisheries by directing, coordinating and implementing fish management activities in the Deschutes Watershed. This recruitment will fill two Supervising Fish and Wildlife Biologists, one in Bend and one in The Dalles. Initial interviews are anticipated to be held via phone, video or virtual interview due to the current situation related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Where will you live?
If you enjoy the outdoors, Oregon is the place for you. We have glaciated mountain peaks, the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River Gorge. 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 Deschutes Watershed is well known as the Pacific Northwest outdoor playground. The areas around Bend and The Dalles are famous for their skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, hiking and running trails and even wind surfing.
If culture is what you seek, the Willamette Valley is the most populated area in Oregon and contains its three largest cities: Salem, Portland and Eugene, which are home to many museums and theaters. The Valley is known for its vineyards, breweries and fantastic casual dining experiences. Bend and Hood River (20 minutes west of The Dalles) are also well known for their famous breweries, restaurants, festivals and concerts.
To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about
Our workplace values
ODFW strives to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of our programs and services, improving service for the diverse population of Oregonians. Key to these efforts is our commitment to ensuring a work environment that is positive, productive, and free from harassment and discrimination. ODFW is looking for an individual to serve in this role that recognizes the value of individual and cultural differences and creates a work environment where individuals’ differences are valued.
What you will do:
• Hire, supervise, and mentor staff. Create a motivating climate for employees that allows and recognizes innovation and creativity. Promote and ensure a safe working environment. Act agency liaison and spokesperson to the public, media, organizations, special interest groups and other local, state and federal agencies. Persuade committees, agencies, regulatory entities and individuals to accept agency positions and negotiates resolutions, which benefit fishery resources. Prepare and present information and education programs.
• Conduct inventories using electro-fishing equipment, nets, boats and other scientific equipment. Determine fish species composition, distribution, fish population abundance, natural production of fish populations, fish mortality from natural, man-made, harvest factors and growth rates by weighing and measuring individual fish. Analyze data collected through inventories using, a variety of statistical programs. Describe findings orally or in written form depending on complexity of findings and particular audience. Prepare written and oral presentations of population management recommendations to staff, commission and public.
• Determine appropriate inventory methodology by reviewing data, literature, past reports and analyzing advantages and disadvantages of techniques for gathering information at appropriate level of resolution. Determine fish harvest by analyzing harvest data which includes total catch, daily catch, or catch per hour. Conduct creel surveys by interviewing individual anglers. Analyze harvest data using a variety of statistical programs. Determine need for hatchery-reared fish to supplement natural production of fish in District. Plan, direct and conduct fish habitat inventories through field investigations on foot and in boats and map/photo interpretations. Determine potential species use and abundance, species life history or age class habitat requirements, availability and condition of specific habitat types, potential habitat factors limiting natural production, and risks to fish populations associated with critical habitats.
• Investigate fish kills, determine total number of fish and species killed. Determine potential impacts to fish habitat from logging, road building, water withdrawals, land use changes, construction activities, agricultural and grazing activities and fill and removal activities in water bodies, stream channel alterations and lake alterations and provides recommendation to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to appropriate regulatory authority. Investigate water pollution in streams and lakes and provides information to proper authorities for resolution. Identify streams and lakes with altered habitat conditions that lack necessary habitat types to sustain natural production of fish populations.
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
• Extensive driving on rural and undeveloped roads and rugged mountainous terrain, often during inclement weather conditions. Vehicle travel of 100 miles per day or more may be required.
• Walking on uneven and rugged terrain, in slippery conditions along waterways and in inclement weather. Occasionally requires travel by motorized or non-motorized boats, including navigation of flowing waters.
• Attend and occasionally conduct meetings during evenings and weekends, occasionally in highly emotional situations involving upset or angry individuals or groups. This position requires a well-developed sense of diplomacy when working with agency staff, partners and the public.
• Requires frequent public speaking and use of personal computer requiring sitting for extended periods of time.
• Works a professional workweek, late evenings or early mornings and overnight travel. Position is not eligible for overtime.
• May use a SPOTS visa card to make work related purchases.
• 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 your job 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 before completion of the trial service period as a condition of continued employment.
• These positions require occasional use of a firearm to deliver immobilization drugs and projecting nets for wildlife capture, euthanizing injured or sick wildlife, killing or hazing nuisance animals or birds, collecting animals for research or other studies, and protection from dangerous animals in close quarters.
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:
• 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 fisheries or wildlife program.
One year of experience must have included leadwork or supervisory duties.
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:
• Designing, reviewing and implementing fish population sampling and monitoring projects
• Evaluating biological data and making management recommendations
• Developing fishing regulations
• Working with anadromous fish populations
• Negotiating with others on controversial natural resource issues
• Writing biological summaries, technical reports or scientific publications
• Presenting information to internal staff, partners and the public in various forums
• Managing and supervising staff
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
The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) 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.
If you are hired, you will become part of the State’s management team. 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