Spawning Ground Surveyor (Biological Science Assistant)

Initial Posting Date:

07/01/2026

Application Deadline:

07/09/2026

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$3,515 - $4,124

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Spawning Ground Surveyor (Biological Science Assistant)

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 one seasonal position based out of Astoria, Oregon. Work to be conducted primarily in tributaries of the Lower Columbia River.

DURATION

September 1, 2026 – November 30, 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:

As a Biological Science Assistant – Spawning Ground Surveyor, you will survey selected Oregon coastal streams to count naturally spawning salmon. Data are distributed to Ocean Salmon Management, Regional and Fish Division staff for use in managing coastal salmon stocks. General project activities include:

• Conduct spawning ground surveys by locating, driving to and walking or boating selected stream reaches to count spawning salmonids and redds.

• Collect biological information from dead salmonids including; length, gender, species, fin clip/tag status, scale samples, and fish snouts.

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

What we are looking for:

• Minimum qualifications are not established for these positions; however we are seeking applicants with the following related skills and experience (e.g., experience identifying adult salmonids, operating boats in rivers, conducting stream surveys, sampling fish, communicating with members of the public, and keeping neat and precise field data) and who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences will be given preference for interviews.

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.

Application Details and Instructions

• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event!

• 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.

• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.

• 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%.

• Reasonable accommodations 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 contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.

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 all positions. 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 | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, 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