Fisheries Biologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1)
Initial posting date: 08/10/2026 • Application deadline: 08/20/2026
About the role
As a Fisheries Biologist for the Eastern Salmon and Steelhead Science Section (ESSSS) in La Grande, Oregon, you will help build a long-term dataset estimating annual survival of spring/summer Chinook salmon and steelhead from smolt outmigration to adult return, supporting management decisions about how the Federal Columbia River Power System affects salmonid survival during migration.
Responsibilities
- Collect, analyze and summarize biological data on fish species
- Operate an incline plane trap to capture fish
- PIT tag Chinook salmon and steelhead
- Lead a small field crew
- Assist with fish condition and gas bubble trauma sampling
- Conduct spawning ground surveys
This position requires acquiring a Boater Education Certificate obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board within the first six months of appointment.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
- Option 1: Three years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program.
- 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.
Desired Attributes
- Experience collecting and recording biological data on fish species
- Experience fishing screw and/or incline traps
- Salmonid sampling and PIT tagging experience
- Experience leading a field crew in remote locations
- Experience operating motor boats in variable conditions
- Data summary and analysis experience
- Experience managing and maintaining databases
Pay
Salary range: $4,519 – $6,276 per month. The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying range; if the successful candidate is PERS qualifying, the range will reflect an additional 6.95%.
Benefits
- 11 paid holidays a year
- Competitive benefits package
- Advancement and learning opportunities
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.