Biological Science Assistant (Research Assistant)

State of Oregon

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Seasonal Fisheries Employment Opportunities 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. 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. Location: Based at the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife field office in Umatilla, OR. Anticipated Duration: March 1 – June 15, 2026, (Two seasonal Biological Science Aid positions) (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). Job Description: What you will do: Employees will operate and maintain juvenile fish traps. Employees will conduct daily fish sampling, mark sampled fish with PIT tags and enter collected data into computer files. Employees will walk streams to count redds, identify natural or hatchery origin of live spawners based on the presence or absence of an adipose fin for proportion of hatchery origin spawner (pHOS) estimates, and sample carcasses. Requires working long hours, frequently on weekends, in adverse weather conditions and/or on slippery stream banks. Work requires driving state vehicles long distances, possibly in adverse weather conditions. Lifting of fish and equipment up to 50 pounds is required. The trap will be operated seven nights/days per week. During periods of intense monitoring activity, employees must work long hours at irregular times. These positions are physically demanding. These positions require a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day including most weekends and some night work. For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications are not established for these positions; however we are seeking applicants with the following related skills and experience (e.g., smolt trap operation, identifying juvenile fish species (especially salmonids), collecting and accurately recording field data, computer skills, and PIT tagging) and who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with this background.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain juvenile fish traps.
• Conduct daily fish sampling
• Mark sampled fish with PIT tags
• Enter collected data into computer files.
• Walk streams to count redds
• Identify natural or hatchery origin of live spawners based on the presence or absence of an adipose fin for proportion of hatchery origin spawner (pHOS) estimates
• Sample carcasses.

Benefits

• Work/life balance
• 11 paid holidays a year
• Competitive benefits package
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees