Wildlife Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

State of Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

State of Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks a Wildlife Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) in Oregon to direct wildlife management for the western Umpqua district. You will oversee a staff member and collaborate with landowners, federal/state partners, and the public to inventory populations, plan actions, and protect habitats.

The role requires strong experience in biology, data analysis, and project coordination, with travel and certifications to meet job requirements within

Qualifications

• Six years of biological experience in a fish or wildlife program, including data analysis and project monitoring.
• Bachelor's degree plus three years of relevant biological experience; at least one year at technical level.
• Equivalency notes allow a Master’s or Doctorate to substitute for up to one or two years of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct and conduct wildlife management within the western Umpqua watershed district.
• Oversee the work of one FTE and lead biologist in wildlife population inventory, planning, and damage control.
• Coordinate with public, landowners, and state/federal land managers to implement statewide direction.

Skills

Wildlife biology

Data analysis

Public engagement

Project supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science

Tools

GIS mapping

Database management

Statistical software

Job description

Position Title

Wildlife Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date

10/14/2026

Application Deadline

10/25/2026

Agency

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range

$5,458 - $8,352

Position Type

Employee

Job Description

As a Wildlife Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 3) based in Charleston, Oregon, your primary responsibility is to direct and conduct the wildlife management program within the western portion of the Umpqua watershed district and is responsible for ensuring that statewide direction is implemented.

This position oversees the work of one FTE who, along with the lead biologist, conduct necessary management activities which include wildlife population inventory, planning, damage control, habitat protection and multiple interactions with the public, private landowners, county, state and federal land managers.

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, a Hazardous Waste Operations Emergency Response training certification (HAZWOPER), Public Pesticide Applicator’s License (PPAL), and a Boater Education Certificate obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board within the first six months of appointment.

What You Need to Know to Get the Job

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Option 1: Six years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or wildlife program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities;
• Option 2: 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, AND three years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or wildlife program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities;

Equivalency Notes

• A Master's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely-related Master's degree in biological/ecological sciences will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
• 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 with wildlife biology and management
• Experience with databases, database programs, and mapping skills
• Experience performing data analysis using a variety of statistical tools
• Experience working with a variety of partners, including state, federal and Tribal natural resource agencies.
• Experience working with wildlife damage complaints/public safety complaints
• Experience developing and implementing project proposals, monitoring budgets and tracking expenditures
• Experience developing and giving presentations to groups
• Experience leading or supervising employees

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