Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Assistant Project Leader)
Initial Posting Date:
12/23/2024
Application Deadline:
01/09/2025
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$4,338 - $6,635
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Assistant Project Leader) Underfill option
Job Description:
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 January 1, 2025, there will be a 6.55% cost of living increase to the salary listed in this announcement.
Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Do you have a background in fish research and experience performing data analysis using a variety of statistical tools? If so, then consider joining the Eastern Region Fish Research Program and apply today!
To learn more about the department and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about
This limited duration position is with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) located in La Grande, Oregon and will last through September 30, 2026.
We will also consider a Job Rotation for current, regular status employees of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in good standing in a permanent or limited duration position (not temporary or seasonal) that is expected to continue through at least September 30, 2024. Please attach approval from your current manager to be considered for this job rotation in the resume/cover letter section of your application.
The goal of this recruitment is to fill the position at the Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2) level. However, we encourage candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) ($4,138-$5,747/mo.) to apply, as the department may consider underfilling the position.
Exciting Role: Dive Into Data and Fisheries Research!
Make a Splash in Fisheries Science:
- Hands-On Fieldwork: Collect and manage critical data on adult spring/summer Chinook Salmon and summer steelhead in the beautiful streams and hatcheries of Northeast Oregon.
- Collaborate with Experts: Partner with hatchery teams to streamline data collection and enhance digital workflows for systems like the ODFW Hatchery Management System (HMS) and FINS.
- Team Focused: Engage with experts and help with broodstock spawning and juvenile sampling efforts, ensuring precise data and efficient processes.
Tech Meets Fisheries:
- Workflow Wizardry: Help create and document data transformation processes to ensure smooth and reproducible operations.
- Innovate Connections: Develop automated data summaries by linking web services to data systems.
- Tool Savvy: Utilize powerful databases and tools like HMS, FINS, PTAGIS, RMIS, DART, and more to collect, update, and analyze data.
- Custom Solutions: Build Survey123 forms, spreadsheets, and database models to advance data management efficiency.
Research with Impact:
- Be a Research Rockstar: Contribute to cutting-edge studies on hatchery programs, using statistical tools like R and Python to analyze data.
- Field Adventures: Participate in thrilling spawning ground surveys and collect biological samples from juvenile and adult salmon.
- Science Communicator: Write sections of impactful reports and deliver compelling presentations to professional audiences.
Why You’ll Love This Role:
You’ll blend science, technology, and teamwork to support the conservation and management of vital fish populations. Your efforts will directly impact the success of hatchery programs and contribute to the broader field of fisheries research. If you’re ready to combine hands-on fieldwork with innovative tech solutions, this opportunity is your perfect catch!
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
- Balance Office and Field Fun: About 80% of your time will be spent in the office during regular hours, but you'll also get hands-on experience outside. Mix up your work week with trips to hatcheries or help field crews collect data throughout NE Oregon. Work might take you to cold, rushing streams or a salmon fish hatchery—rain or shine!
- Flex Your Schedule: Enjoy a flexible work setup that is typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. You’ll typically work 40 hours in a week unless pre-approved by your supervisor. Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor.
Criminal Records/DMV Check
Applicants are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for all positions. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current certified or uncertified 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 driving record before an offer can be made unless extenuating circumstances exist. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.
NOTE: Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete the U.S. Department Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is not able to support VISA sponsorships.
We are seeking applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have the following skills and experience:
Minimum Qualifications (NRS2):
• 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 of 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 in 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.
The agency may also consider filling this position at the Natural Resource Specialist 1 (NRS1) level.
Minimum Qualifications (NRS1):
• 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 years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program.
Requested Skills:
• Experience using R, Python, GIS, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and Word
• Writing progress reports, technical reports and scientific publications
• Experience with application programming interfaces
• Efficiently managing large and complex datasets
• Working with fisheries sampling gear
• Handling and sampling fish in a hatchery setting
Additional Information:
Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the "Job History" section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. Resumes will not replace the completed "Job History" section in your online application. You may be disqualified if your experience listed in 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. 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) and the average amount of hours worked per week in the duties section. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.
Note: 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)., if you are using education to qualify. 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.
For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application, click here
Internal Applicants: The contact information that is prefilled on your application is typically your work email and work phone number. Be sure to check your state email and Workday notifications for your status regarding the recruitment process. If you are away from the office or unable to check your state email account for an extended period, contact the HR Recruitment Unit and the hiring manager to let them know your personal email and phone number where you can be contacted. This will help to ensure you do not miss out on any correspondence that may be related to an interview. If you apply for a position as an internal applicant and then terminate while the recruitment is still in process, contact the Recruitment Unit to have your contact information updated.
External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.
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.
Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.
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.
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.
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 www.oregonjobs.org and select Veterans resources under 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.
Find information on State of Oregon benefits
More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts and at myodfw.com and https://www.dfw.state.or.us/
If you are passionate about natural resources, we invite you to join our team and assist with furthering ODFW’s mission by partnering with communities and sharing how our work has a positive effect on Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats. 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.
Consider joining our team as we lead ODFW into the future!
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer