Biological Science Assistant; Project Aide

Initial Posting Date: 01/13/2026

Final date to receive applications: 01/22/2026

Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife

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

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Biological Science Assistant (Project Aide)

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.

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 a full‑time, seasonal position located in The Dalles, Oregon. This position is anticipated to last from April 15, 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.) This role is a great opportunity for anyone interested in gaining hands‑on experience in fish research, with no prior experience necessary.

We provide on‑the‑job training and are eager to support those who are excited to learn!

• Driving state vehicles in a wide range of weather conditions to access fishing sites and other areas of interest
• Interviewing Anglers about effort and species caught. Also examine catch to determine species, measure length, and identify marks and tags
• Record fish measurements on data sheets and laptop computers
• Collection of biological samples such as scales, snouts, and fin clips
• Workdays and schedules vary weekly, but include working every Saturday

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

Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however we are seeking applicants with the following related skills and experience (e.g., experience identifying adult salmonids, 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.

This position is ideal for individuals looking to gain practical experience in the field of fisheries and wildlife research including abundant interactions with recreational anglers and the public. Training will be provided for all necessary tasks, and your team will offer guidance and support as you develop your skills.

• 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 process.
• 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 submission. 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…