Biological Science Assistant (Spawning Surveyor)

Initial Posting Date:

05/03/2024

Application Deadline:

05/19/2024

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Biological Science Assistant (Spawning Surveyor)

Job Description:

Seasonal Fisheries Employment Opportunities!

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 and Duration:

Based out of Springfield, OR, we have 3 full-time seasonal positions available starting July 1, 2024 through October 15, 2024

(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:

The primary purpose of this position will play a crucial role in supporting ongoing research and monitoring efforts aimed at understanding the population dynamics and habitat requirements of spring Chinook salmon. The primary responsibilities include conducting spawning surveys, catching, tagging, and monitoring juvenile Chinook salmon, installing PIT arrays and traps, and contributing to ongoing habitat restoration research.

Some of the duties will include:

• Conduct spawning surveys: Locate, drive to, and traverse selected stream reaches to accurately count spawning salmonids. This includes operating state vehicles safely, walking or boating in designated survey areas, and recording field data meticulously using PDAs.

• Sample collection: Obtain various biological samples from spawned-out salmon, including determining size, sex, and collecting otoliths, scales, and coded-wire tags.

• Juvenile Chinook salmon studies: Utilize seines and snorkeling techniques to catch juvenile Chinook salmon, implant PIT tags, and sample fish for length and weight, adhering to permit guidelines.

• Data management: Enter field data into PDAs or laptop computers, upload data to servers daily, and ensure data accuracy. Additionally, enter tag and length data from PIT tagged fish into designated software.

• Training: Participate in required training sessions including field survey orientation, data entry, defensive driving, CPR/First Aid, and other agency requirements.

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:

• Frequent travel in various watercraft (rafts, kayaks) and walking up to five miles in swift streams, sometimes in inclement weather.

• Requires long days driving and working outdoors. The employee must operate a vehicle on gravel roads sometimes in adverse weather, hike over rough terrain, sometimes in inclement weather, wade in rivers and swift streams on slippery rocks, and work in remote areas.

• Protective gear such as felt-soled wading shoes and PFDs are required when working in water.

• Requires a flexible work schedule with varying hours and occasional weekends. This includes working at all hours and workdays in excess of eight hours.
  
  Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor. Position is eligible for overtime.

• Requires working independently in remote areas, with limited contact with a field supervisor.

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:

• Comfortable conducting fieldwork and working in inclement weather, including walking surveys, whitewater rafting, and kayaking.

• Experience in fish sampling, habitat surveys, hydrology, or biological sampling.

• Self-motivation, adaptability to varied conditions, and responsibility for data quality.

• Pursuit of or possession of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related biological/ecological sciences degree.

• Effective communication skills with team members and the public.

• Ability to maintain an independent work schedule, access streams and estuaries safely, and follow complex protocols in data collection.

Questions about the position? Please contact Luke Whitman at: luke.d.whitman@odfw.oregon.gov

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 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 unless extenuating circumstances exist. 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 of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.

ODFW participates in E-Verify. ODFW is unable to support VISA sponsorships.

Additional Information:

Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported in your resume or the "Job History" section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. You may be disqualified if your experience listed in your resume or the "Job History" section does not include information used to 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.

For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application, click here

Attachments:

If you'd like to attach a copy of your official or unofficial college transcripts, they 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.

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.

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.

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 having trouble 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

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

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