Fisheries Technician (Biological Science Assistant)

> Back to Job Search

Department of Fish and Wildlife

John Day, Oregon

Job Type: Full-Time (Seasonal)

Salary: $3,515 - $4,124/month

Start / End Dates: July 2026-Nov/Dec 2026

Job Description:

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.

 

We are hiring for two full-time, seasonal positions located in John Day, Oregon.

  • One position is from July 20, 2026 through December 18, 2026
  • One position is from July 27, 2026 through November 20, 2026

 

(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).

 

What you will do:

In this position, you will conduct field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data collection activities necessary to carry out life history and natural production studies of salmon and steelhead and their habitats in Northeast Oregon. Some of the major duties include:

  • Conduct habitat surveys of streams and riparian areas
  • Survey juvenile fish populations
  • Capture and tag juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead
  • Enter and assist with data analyses

 

Please note that these positions require the successful candidates to obtain a Boater Education Card within the first 30 days of hire (if not currently possessed).

 

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 both of these positions details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here and here.

 

Clearly describe how you meet the desired attributes in your application materials. We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline. These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary. Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Qualifications / Experience Level Required:

What we are looking for:
Minimum Qualifications:
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:
  • Monitoring and data collection experience
  • Data entry experience
  • Natural resources survey experience
  • Anyone who has or is in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences

Application Details and Instructions
  • Questions about the positions? Please contact Melody.J.Feden@odfw.oregon.gov
  • The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
  • 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%
  • 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.
  • State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee Workday account.
  • Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.
  • First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
  • Reasonable accommodation for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.
  • 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.
  • If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please call 503.947.6051 and ask to speak to a recruiter.

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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CjDPiPMGAk.

Additional benefits include:
  • 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 INFORMATION
  • 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
  • Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Housing: No

Contact:

Melody Feden

Melody.J.Feden@odfw.oregon.gov

Apply for This Position: https://oregon.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SOR_External_Career_Site/job/John-Day--ODFW/Fisheries-Technician--Biological-Science-Assistant-_REQ-199697?q=Natural%20Resources

Application Closes: 06/11/26

Visit our Resources page for resume help, additional job boards, and housing contacts for Southeast Oregon.

© High Desert Partnership. This site is managed by High Desert Partnership. High Desert Partnership strives to promote collaboration across communities of Eastern Oregon and is actively engaged in protecting diversity, enacting equity, and fostering inclusion. Our ambition is to contribute to building a sustainable and inclusive community in which ethnic, religious, gender, political and ideological differences are heard and respected.