State Fishery Management Assistant Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 53,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Advancement opportunities

Learning opportunities

Job summary

State of Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks a State Fishery Management Assistant Project Leader to support marine commercial fisheries management in Newport. You will analyze data, prepare reports, and develop monitoring plans while coordinating with stakeholders and advisory bodies.

The role includes leading the Yaquina Bay herring acoustic survey and quota setting. Minimum qualifications cover advanced biological experience and degrees in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, with options

Qualifications

• Option 1 requires two years of biological experience with specific coursework and a relevant Bachelor's degree; or three additional years of experience.
• Option 2 requires one year of biological experience plus a Master’s degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely related field.
• Option 3 requires a Doctorate in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or closely related field.
• Master’s/Doctorate with internship or thesis experience may count toward both education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Analyze existing commercial fisheries and research data to inform management decisions.
• Document findings and recommendations in reports and presentations.
• Develop and implement management and monitoring plans.
• Communicate with stakeholders, develop outreach materials, and present at public meetings.
• Serve as primary contact and coordination for commercial nearshore and Yaquina Bay herring fisheries.
• Lead annual acoustic survey for Yaquina Bay herring biomass and quota estimation.

Skills

Data analysis

Outreach materials

Stakeholder engagement

Databases management

Fishery monitoring

Regulatory collaboration

Small boat handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science

Master’s degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science

Doctorate in Fisheries or Wildlife Science

Tools

MS Access

Excel

Job description

Initial Posting Date: 11/02/2026

Application Deadline: 11/15/2026

Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range: $4,738 - $7,247

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: State Fishery Management Assistant Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 2)

Job Description

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

As a State Fishery Management Assistant Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 2) in Newport, Oregon, you will assist the State Fishery Management Program Leader in the management of Oregon’s marine commercial fisheries. Duties include:

• Analyze existing commercial fisheries and research data to inform fisheries management decisions.
• Document findings and recommendations in written reports and presentations.
• Develop and implement management and monitoring plans.
• Communicate with stakeholders and advisory bodies, develop outreach materials, and give presentations at public meetings.
• Serve as primary point of contact and management coordinator for the commercial nearshore and Yaquina Bay herring fisheries.
• Lead annual acoustic survey effort for herring in Yaquina Bay to estimate biomass and set fishery quota.

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 obtaining a Boater Education Certificate through the Oregon State Marine Board within six months of hire.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

Option 1: Two years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included one year of at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, AND a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Bachelor’s degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework; OR three additional years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program;

-OR-

Option 2: One year biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, AND a Master's degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences;

-OR-

Option 3: A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences.

Note: Applicants who have obtained a Master’s degree or Doctorate that included work experience from an internship, work/study, thesis, or similar program may list this experience in their application to receive credit for the work experience. The Master’s degree/Doctorate and applicable work experience will be considered separately, and both the education and applicable experience may count toward minimum qualifications.

Desired Attributes

• Experience analyzing biological and fishery datasets, including spatial data.
• Experience developing outreach materials (newsletters, presentations, web content, social media.)
• Experience engaging stakeholders, answering inquiries, and giving presentations.
• Experience creating, maintaining, and modifying databases (MS Access, Excel.)
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating fishery monitoring programs and sampling protocols.
• Experience collaborating on fishery management plans, regulations, and management measures, and recommending improvements.
• Proven small boat handling skills and experience working at sea.

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
• 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