Pacific Halibut & Sport Groundfish Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 3

Initial Posting Date: 08/03/2026

Final date to receive applications: 08/17/2026

Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range: $5,458 - $8,352

Position Type:
Employee

Position Title:

Pacific Halibut & Sport Groundfish Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist
3)

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.

This position is with the Marine Resources Program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) located in Newport.

This position leads management activities for Oregon’s recreational groundfish and Pacific halibut fisheries—work that blends deep technical analysis with high‑level communication and collaboration. As the agency’s subject matter expert, you’ll analyze fishery data, model regulatory outcomes, and evaluate the biological and economic impacts of proposed management measures. You’ll represent ODFW on the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Groundfish Management Team, working closely with partners across state and federal agencies, tribes, and industry.

As the primary point of contact for recreational groundfish and halibut fisheries, you’ll communicate regularly with PFMC, NOAA Fisheries, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, law enforcement, ODFW staff, anglers, industry members, and the public through reports, presentations, meetings, and direct outreach. This role is central to shaping informed, science‑based fishery management and ensuring clear, accurate communication across a wide network of stakeholders.

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, please review the position description located here.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

• Option 1: Six (6) years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or marine program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities
• Option 2: Three (3) years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or marine 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, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological/oceanographic coursework, or three additional years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program

• A Master's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Master's degree in biological/ecological/oceanographic sciences will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological/oceanographic sciences will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Note:

Applicants who have obtained a Master's degree or Doctorate that included work experience from an internship,…