Fish and Wildlife Technician

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is hiring a full-time Fish and Wildlife Technician in John Day, OR, for a limited duration from May 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The role involves fieldwork on mule deer research, including data collection, equipment maintenance, and data management. Candidates should have an Associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology or related experience. The position is not remote and requires physical presence in the field.
This is a full time, Limited Duration position with an anticipated start date of May 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

We will also consider a Job Rotation for current, regular status employees of the State of Oregon in good standing in a permanent or limited duration position (not temporary or seasonal) that is expected to continue through at least June 30, 2026. Please attach approval from your current manager to be considered for this job rotation in the resume/cover letter section of your application.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

As a Fish and Wildlife Technician (Wildlife Research Technician) in John Day, Oregon, you will coordinate and conduct data collection efforts on mule deer in the East Region. Duties include:
• Conduct field work activities for data collection, including capture mule deer from helicopters, capture mule deer neonates, conduct mortality investigations of dead deer, capture bobcats, coyotes, cougars, and black bears, collect biological samples, assist with identification of suitable capture locations, and interact with landowners to access private property. Assist with other data collection efforts such as deploy camera traps and assist with vegetation sampling.
• Maintain project equipment and order supplies necessary for conducting the research project, including ordering chemical immobilization drugs, maintaining ATVs, snowmobiles, and other project equipment.
• Data management and entry including entering data from capture records into an electronic database and enter other data from paper forms into databases. Manage GPS collars for mule deer to ensure collars are in functioning order prior to deployment.
• Coordination and administration tasks, such as: attend mandatory Agency trainings and pursue professional development opportunities.

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.

The goal of this recruitment is to fill the positions at the Fish & Wildlife Technician (FWT) level. However, we encourage candidates to apply for the Fish & Wildlife Technician Entry level ($3429 – $4207/mo.) as the department may consider under-filling the position.

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

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

Fish and Wildlife Technician ($3705 – $5066):

An Associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology or Agriculture;

-OR-

Eighteen months of experience in the care of livestock, agricultural research and experimentation, monitoring game or wildlife, or farming. (Six months of fisheries or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience).

Equivalency Notes:
• A higher level degree in Wildlife Science, Agriculture, or a closely-related degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework will substitute for the Associate’s degree.

Fish and Wildlife Technician Entry Option ($3429 – $4207):

Minimum qualifications are not established for this classification (there are no minimum qualifications). Previous related experience is desirable.

Desired Attributes
• Experience with ATVs on and off trails
• Experience ordering, maintaining, and inventorying project equipment.
• Experience collecting and recording data as part of research or monitoring projects.
• Experience conducting aerial telemetry flights to locate radio collared animals, navigate using GPS receivers, and be able to use other electronic equipment as needed to meet research objectives
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and electronic devices for data collection and management
• Demonstrated experience in the capture and restraint or drug immobilization of wild animals.

APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS
• 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
• 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

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
• Live, work and play in John Day, 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
• 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 | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts 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