Natural Resource Specialist ; Assistant District Fish Biologist

Initial Posting Date: 08/27/2026 Final date to receive applications: 09/06/2026 Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife Salary Range: $4,738 - $7,247 Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Assistant District Fish Biologist)

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. Make a difference in Oregon’s fisheries! We're seeking a motivated individual to support fish resource management in the upper Rogue Basin—working on habitat restoration, harvest planning, conservation efforts, and leading seasonal field staff.

This is a full‑time, permanent position located in Central Point, Oregon.

• In this role, you will assist the district fish biologist in managing the fish resources of the upper Rogue Basin.
• Specific areas of responsibility include habitat protection, habitat restoration, inventory of habitat and fish resources, harvest management, planning, utilization of hatchery resources, implementing selected ODFW Oregon Plan and conservation plan measures and public relations.
• The assistant receives direct assignments from the district biologist but often works independently on specific projects.
• The assistant may also direct the daily scheduling and assignments of seasonal and permanent employees within the district.

• Option 1:
  Five 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
• Option 2: 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 and two years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program
• Option 3: A Master's degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences and 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
• Option 4: 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.

• Experience working with anadromous salmonids
• Knowledge of salmonid life history patterns and habitat requirements
• Experience working with other partners (biologists, stakeholders, landowners, volunteers, etc.), for protection of fish populations and habitats
• Experience summarizing, analyzing, and presenting biological data
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating fishery monitoring or research projects.

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  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…