Biological Science Technician I

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Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Warm Springs, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $20.83 per hour

Start / End Dates: May 2026 to August 2026

Description

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Fisheries Department is hiring two (2) technicians to assist staff biologists with two new projects taking place on the Warm Springs Reservation. The first project is funded on suppression of nonnative species through mechanical and passive means in order to improve Bull Trout survivorship. The second focuses on collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) samples to test for the presence of three freshwater mussel species in tribal streams. These positions are full-time, limited duration positions lasting 12 weeks, beginning in May and ending in August. Tribal preference is enforced but everyone is encouraged to apply.

***Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug screening***

Primary Responsibilities

  • Assist with brook trout suppression in alpine streams, utilizing mechanical and passive removal techniques
  • Participate in eDNA surveys in remote streams
  • Operating and maintaining electrofishing equipment, weirs, minnow traps, eDNA pumps
  • Capturing and handling ESA listed species
  • Collecting biological data and samples
  • Participating in snorkel and habitat surveys, sometimes at night
  • Additional duties as required

 

Timeline

Employment is expected to begin in mid-May and end in August, approximately 12 weeks from the start date. These positions are primarily field-based. Technicians are full-time with a combination of 5/8 (5 8-hour days per week) and 4/10 schedules. During the work week, technicians can expect to camp multiple nights when working on the nonnative suppression, ~45 minutes from the town of Warm Springs.

Weekend and holiday work is not required.

CTWS expects technicians to be flexible with work schedules due to shifting needs of the project.

Location:

Work will take place within the boundaries of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. Technicians will be based out of Warm Springs, OR. Located in central Oregon, the Warm Springs Reservation is 20 minutes north of Madras, OR, 1 hour north of Bend, OR and 1.5 hours SE of Portland, OR.

Compensation:

Each position will be paid $20.83/hr.

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

  • Successful completion of at least 2 years of college level coursework in natural resources, biology, or a related field;
  • At least six months experience in natural resource projects such as wildlife research and monitoring;
  • Ability to identify PNW salmonid species;
  • Able to maintain a flexible work schedule –i.e. Multi-day work trips in remote areas, working nights, and the possibility of schedule changes a week or two out;
  • Ability to navigate in remote areas (no cell service) using compass, GPS, natural features, and maps;
  • Ability to live and work as a team member in a remote area of Oregon for extended periods of time;
  • Possession of a clean and valid driving license (a driving record will be requested during the onboarding process);
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs and hike for extended periods of time over uneven terrain in inclement weather;
  • Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
  • Comfortable working in both extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures;
  • Comfortable with primitive living conditions for extended periods of time; Self-motivated with a positive attitude;
  • Able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills; effectively interact with Tribal members, staff and agency personnel; work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a cross-cultural environment with people of various skills;
  • Working knowledge of proper wildlife and fish handling, tagging, and tracking techniques, proper data collection and record keeping;

How To Apply
Please send an application with the subject line “Fisheries Technician I” consisting of a resume and a cover letter that details your interest in the position, qualifications not fully described in your resume, and contact information for three professional/academic references to Dave Rose (david.rose@ctwsbnr.org) and Naomi Pryzant (naomi.pryzant@ctwsbnr.org).

Please note whether you are applying the bull trout, mussel, or both positions.

We will accept applications until EOD Friday, February 27th.

Please state in your cover letter if you are an enrolled Tribal member.

Housing: No

Contact:

Dave Rose

david.rose@ctwsbnr.org

Apply for This Position: david.rose@ctwsbnr.org

Application Closes: 02/27/26

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