CWT Lab Assistant (Biological Science Assistant)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

State of Oregon is seeking a CWT Lab Assistant (Biological Science Assistant) based in Clackamas to support the Department of Fish and Wildlife's lab operations. You will process coded-wire tags from salmonids and participate in annual tagging programs, contributing to wildlife research and resource management.

The role emphasizes field data handling, precise data recording, and coordination with hatcheries and fish rearing facilities across the state.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting and recording data in field settings.
• Experience monitoring fish, wildlife, and habitats in field settings.
• Experience marking and tagging fish.
• Experience collecting biological data and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to identify adult and juvenile fish species.

Responsibilities

• Involved in recovery and processing of coded-wire tags from salmonid snouts in various fisheries and hatcheries; work in ODFW's Tag Recovery Lab at Clackamas.
• Assist in annual fish marking and tagging program for juvenile salmon and steelhead during April–July; oversee fin marking and CWT operations at hatcheries and rearing facilities state-wide.
• Ensure accurate data entry, maintain lab equipment, and follow safety and procedural guidelines.

Skills

Data collection

Field monitoring

Fish tagging

Biological data handling

Species identification

Data management

Education

Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree

Job description

Position Title

CWT Lab Assistant (Biological Science Assistant)

Initial Posting Date

08/11/2026

Application Deadline

08/25/2026

Agency

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range

$3,515 - $4,124

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

CWT Lab Assistant (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 permanent, full-time position located in Clackamas.

What You Will Do

You will be involved in the recovery and processing of coded-wire tags from snouts of adult salmonid fish sampled in the various ocean and freshwater fisheries, spawning grounds and returns to hatcheries. This work is done in ODFW's Tag Recovery Lab at Clackamas.

In addition, you will be assisting in ODFW's annual fish marking and tagging program for juvenile salmon and steelhead trout during the peak of the mass marking and CWT tagging period (April - July). The staff member will oversee fin marking and coded-wire tagging (CWT) operations at various hatcheries and other fish rearing facilities state wide.

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.

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

Minimum Qualifications

What we are looking for:

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:

• Experience collecting and recording data
• Experience monitoring and research of fish, wildlife, and their habitats in a field setting
• Experience marking and tagging fish
• Experience collecting biological data
• Experience identifying adult and juvenile fish species
• Data management and entry 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

• 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

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://youtu.be/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.

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