Biological Science Assistant; Project Assistant

Initial Posting Date: 01/12/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/26/2026

Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range: $3,429 - $4,023

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Biological Science Assistant (Project Assistant)

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.

Note:

Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

We are hiring for two full‑time, seasonal positions located in The Dalles, Oregon. These positions are anticipated to last from March 2, 2026 through October 31, 2026 (These are estimated dates. Length of season(s) may be shortened or extended depending on project needs, funding, or factors beyond the project’s control.)

In this position, you will gather information on the life‑history of steelhead and salmon inhabiting the Hood River and Fifteenmile Creek, and assist in mark‑recapture abundance studies of selected anadromous salmonids from these basins. This will involve working on a 2‑5 person crews to install, operate and maintain traps, conduct electrofishing surveys, as well as determine species, size, weight, and condition of various native migratory fish.

For a full review of position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however we are seeking applicants with theedent related skills and experience (e.g., experience identifying adult and juvenile salmonids, operating drift boats and kayaks in rivers and streams, conducting salmon and steelhead stream surveys in remote areas, conducting juvenile salmonid monitoring, communicating with members of the public, and keeping neat and precise field data) and who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences will be given preference for interviews.

• Your application helps determine your starting salary. Be sure it accurately and thoroughly reflects your skills, experience, and education even if you don’t believe it directly relates to the position. We cannot accept any additional application materials submitted after the Final date to receive applications.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application processkmale.
• 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.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.
• The salary listed is the non‑PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect an additional 6.95%.
• Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
• 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.
• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a Work Source Oregon Resource event!
• If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at .

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (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 isrı employees, and each person brings unique, different, and important contributions to the workplace and…