Fisheries 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

Fisheries Assistant (Biological Science Assistant) in Klamath Falls, Oregon, assists the Project Leader and partners in collecting data for the repopulation of anadromous fishes in the Klamath River Basin. Responsibilities include field sampling, tagging, habitat surveys, and data management to support decisions affecting salmon and steelhead populations.

This is a seasonal position anticipated to run Oct 5, 2026 – May 28, 2027 with dates subject to funding and project needs.

Qualifications

• Experience collecting and recording data.
• Experience with fish detection systems (PIT, radio telemetry, acoustic telemetry, SONATR).
• Experience reviewing data including video images of fish and determining species and other biological information from captured images.

Responsibilities

• Walk streams and floats to estimate redd and adult numbers.
• Sample carcasses, measure lengths, collect scales and tissue samples.
• Collect snouts from coded-wire-tagged fish.
• Conduct habitat surveys on streams to assess habitat quality.
• Use snorkeling and electrofishing to assess juvenile fish.
• Assist with tagging and collecting biological information on captured fish.
• Install and maintain PIT detection antennas.
• Install and operate traps to capture and tag fish.
• Support telemetry monitoring of salmon and steelhead.
• Collect water samples for eDNA and disease assessments.
• Install and monitor video systems for fish enumeration.

Skills

Data collection

Field sampling

Boat operation

PIT tagging

Environmental sampling

Tools

PIT tagging equipment

Electrofishing equipment

DNA sampling tools

Video monitoring systems

Job description

Position Title
Fisheries Assistant (Biological Science Assistant)

Initial Posting Date
08/04/2026

Application Deadline
08/16/2026

Agency
Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range
$3,515 - $4,124

Position Type
Employee

Job Description
Hiring a seasonal position with anticipated duration of October 5, 2026 – May 28, 2027
(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).

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!
Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today! We especially encourage students, early career professionals, and anyone interested in a career in fish, wildlife, and natural resources, to apply! Come learn and train with ODFW and help us fulfill our mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

Duties

As a Fisheries Assistant (Biological Science Assistant) in Klamath Falls, Oregon, you will assist the Project Leader in collaboration with ODFW partners (State, Federal, Tribal, and non-governmental organizations) in the collection of data associated with the repopulation of anadromous fishes in the Klamath River Basin. Duties include:

• Walks and floats streams to estimate redd and adult steelhead and salmon numbers.
• Samples adult carcasses, measure lengths, collect scales and tissue samples, determine sex, and assess egg retention.
• Collects snouts from coded-wire-tagged fish.
• Conducts habitat surveys on anadromous fish-bearing streams to assess habitat quality of streams throughout the Klamath River basin.
• Use snorkeling and electrofishing techniques to assess juvenile salmon and steelhead in streams throughout the Klamath River Basin.
• Assists with tagging juvenile salmon and steelhead with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and radio telemetry tags and collecting biological information on captured fish.
• Assists in installing, operating, and maintaining PIT detection antennas.
• Assists in the installation and operation of rotary screw traps and other juvenile traps to capture and tag juvenile fish.
• Assists in both stationary and mobile telemetry monitoring of salmon and steelhead.
• Assists in the installation and operation of stream weirs to sample and enumerate adult salmon and steelhead.
• Collects water samples for eDNA, fish disease, and other assessments.
• Installation and maintenance of video monitoring systems and review of captured images to identify and enumerate fish from videos.
• Conducts hook-and-line sampling to collect fish and collect biological information on captured fish.
• Assists with gear maintenance and storage and organization.

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.

This position requires acquiring an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department and a Boater Education Certificate obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board within the first 30 days of appointment.

For a full review of the position details, duties and working conditions, click 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

What We Are Looking For

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 with fish detection systems (PIT, radio telemetry, acoustic telemetry, SONATR)
• Experience reviewing data including video images of fish and determining species and other biological information from captured images
• Experience installing, operating, and maintaining fish traps and equipment
• Experience collecting biological data
• Experience identifying adult and juvenile fish species
• Data management and entry experience
• Boating experience with inflatable catarafts, drift boats and/or motorboats
• Experience angling for salmonids in rivers and streams
• 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 [e-mail]
• 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.

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://myodfw.com/about

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. 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