MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES

We are hiring one permanent position located in John Day.

We are also offering one temporary position located in Enterprise or La Grande. It is expected to last through October 31, 2025.

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

As a Natural Resource Specialist 2 – Assistant Wolf Biologist in John Day and Enterprise/La Grande, Oregon, you will assist the regions with all aspects of implementation of the 2019 Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, assist multiple district wildlife staff in conservation and management of wolves as part of the Wolf Plan implementation team and coordinate activities with District Biologists and the Wolf Program Coordinator. Duties include:

• Promptly investigate suspected wolf-livestock depredation to determine if a wolf killed/injured the livestock, which could lead to lethal removal of that wolf or wolves
• Independently evaluate type and severity of damage and record information to provide documentation for potential agency action or financial compensation for lost livestock
• Provide technical assistance to landowners and agency staff regarding wolf management
• Investigate reports of wolf sightings and provide follow-up information
• Survey and monitor wolf activity across the region using survey and telemetry techniques from ground or aircraft
• Assist in coordinating, planning and conducting capture of wolves using established protocols with various techniques such as trapping or darting from the ground or aircraft

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position requires an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card for on-the-job use of quads ATVs (Class 1 ATVs) obtained through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department within six months of hire.
• Requires physical abilities to perform instant or sustained arduous physical activity.
• This position requires occasional use of a firearm to deliver immobilization drugs and projecting nets for wildlife capture, euthanizing injured or sick wildlife, killing or hazing nuisance animals, collecting animals for research or other studies, and protection from dangerous animals in close quarters.
• This position requires the capture and safe handling of wolves and other potentially dangerous wildlife species – a wildlife capture and immobilization training certificate will be required within one year of hire.
• Job requires regular travel by aircraft, boat, foot, vehicle or horseback through isolated and rugged terrain – often for extended periods.
• Job requires the ability to safely and effectively carry backpacks and field gear for wildlife capture over long distances in remote and rugged outdoor locations.
• Must be available to work all hours, in excess of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week when necessary. Independent work (or with minimal supervision) is required regularly, often in remote locations with exposure to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions.
• May periodically deal with upset individuals and groups of people.
• Required to wear a uniform consistent with the Department’s Uniform Policy.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

Two 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, AND 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; or three additional years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program;

-OR-

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, AND a Master's degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences;

-OR-

A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences.

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.

Desired Attributes

• Experience with field biology
• Experience capturing and monitoring wildlife, including the use of tranquilizing equipment
• Experience clearly communicating both internally and with the public both orally and in written form
• ATV experience
• Experience working independently in remote areas
• Experience using GIS mapping programs

APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS

• 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%.
• Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.
• If any of the positions listed in your application are part time or seasonal, be sure to include the dates you worked (month and year).You may be disqualified if your experience listed in your resume, or the “Job History” section does not include information used to: 1) meet the minimum qualifications of the job and 2) back up your answers to the supplemental questions. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.
• If you are using education to qualify, you will be required to provide a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts (online transcripts are acceptable) during the selection process that show your name, the name/address of the institution, coursework with passing grades, and degree conferred (including date). Transcripts and cover letters can be attached to your application in the Resume/CV/Cover Letter attachments field when you apply. Cover letters may not be reviewed unless it is stated as a requirement in the job posting.
• State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee  Workday account.
• 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 employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement. Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.
• For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application, click here 

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.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

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 https://myodfw.com/about

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 game, waterfowl, and game birds. The Oregon coast attracts thousands of people who clam, crab and fish in the ocean for halibut, salmon, and tuna. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Oregon is known for their vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at https://youtu.be/8CjDPiPMGAk

Additional benefits include 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Finalists will be subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for all positions. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current certified driving record for review to be considered for the position. Be prepared to obtain as soon as possible. You are expected to provide the out-of-state certified driving record before an offer can be made.
• Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.
• If you are having trouble applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503.947.6051.
• Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
• Veterans: If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans' preference points will be added to your score.  For more information on veterans' preference points visit Veteran Resources Please do not attach veteran documentation to your initial application. After you have applied, you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts and at myodfw.com and http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer