Biological Science Assistant (Oregon Plan Monitoring Surveyor) at State of Oregon

Initial Posting Date

12/03/2025

Application Deadline

12/17/2025

Agency

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range

$3,429 - $4,023

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Biological Science Assistant (Oregon Plan Monitoring Surveyor)

Job Description

Streams Conservation Employment Opportunity!

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.

To learn more about the department and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about

Location:

This is a full-time position based out of Roseburg, OR. This position will perform fish and habitat surveys in streams and rivers throughout Oregon.

What You Will Do

The primary responsibilities of this position will be to conduct field surveys and assist in the implementation of the statewide inventory project to provide quantitative assessments of habitat in streams and standing waters and information on fish species composition, distribution, and abundance in streams throughout Oregon. Some of the duties will include:

• Conducting spawning ground surveys by locating, driving to, and walking or using a non-motorized boat in selected stream reaches to count salmonids in remote sites. Obtaining gender, length, and biological samples from spawned or dead salmon.
• Describing channel morphology and instream habitat characteristics.
• Conducting in-stream flow studies to determine the flows necessary to provide habitat for fish to spawn, rear, and migrate.
• Accurately and clearly transcribing field data to appropriate data forms. Completing map work, verifying data, and labeling photos in the office.
• Locating sites with a map, compass, and global positioning system (GPS).
• Communicating with landowners to obtain permission to conduct surveys.
• Organizing and mounting scale samples to prepare for reading.
• Hiking into and along streams daily. (Walk 0.75 – 1.5 miles of stream daily 4 days/week). Working in hot, cold, rainy weather and over rough terrain.
• Occasionally camping or backpacking in remote areas.
• This position requires 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, but does not exceed forty (40) hours in a workweek. Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor.
  
  

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.

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

Questions about the position? Please contact Briana Sounhein at [email protected]

Requirements/Requested Skills

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, we are seeking applicants with the following experience or skills. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with these skills and background:

• Ability to conduct field work under a variety of weather conditions ranging from heat in summer to cold in winter.
• Experience (e.g., fish sampling, conducting habitat surveys, hydrology, or biological sampling)
• Must be self-motivated, willing to work under a variety of conditions, and responsible for the quality of data collected
• Anyone who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences.
• Comfortable communicating with team members and the public
• Must maintain their own schedule, decide how to safely and efficiently access and work in streams and estuary, and collect data following a complex protocol.
• Must work independently, often in remote areas. Surveyors may be able to contact a field supervisor by phone or email only once per week and be visited in the field only once every two to three weeks.
  
  

Benefits Of Joining Our Team

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 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.

Additional Benefits Include

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon.
  
  

Additional Details

• 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.
• Finalists are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for this position. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.
• 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.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.
  
  

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

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