Fishing Captain Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date: 08/28/2026 Application Deadline: 09/17/2026 Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife Salary Range: $4,519 - $6,276 Position Type: Employee

As a Marine Reserves Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1) based in Newport, Oregon, you will work with the Marine Reserves Project Leader, Assistant Project Leader, and Quantitative Ecologist to carry out the ecological monitoring for Oregon’s five marine reserve sites.

Work tasks include:

• assisting with sample design and planning
• leading collection of data at-sea
• data entry
• database maintenance
• data analysis
• GIS mapping
• presenting information in public forums
• report writing

This position is a member of ODFW’s Nearshore Ecology Program, which houses the marine habitat and marine reserves teams. The interdisciplinary nine-person marine reserves team is responsible for leading the management and scientific monitoring of Oregon’s marine reserves. This is a long-term monitoring and research program designed to meet the state’s goals, objectives, and policy mandates for marine reserves. This is a complex, multidisciplinary research effort with numerous monitoring and research projects conducted simultaneously.

• Conducting extractive surveys (e.g. hook-and-line), and non-extractive surveys (e.g., intertidal, overseeing SCUBA surveys).
• Deploying oceanographic sensors (e.g. temperature and oxygen) and participating in underwater visual surveys (e.g. using remotely operated vehicles).
• Coordinating and leading volunteers in the field, deploying and retrieving equipment (e.g. moorings, oceanographic sensors, crab pots), overseeing vessel deck operations (e.g. providing direction and instructions to vessel captain and crew), and recording field data.
• Maintaining databases, analyzing ecological data, using GIS software for study design, trip planning, and analyses.
• Working as part of a team to produce products from the collected data, including data summaries, graphics, reports, and presentations.

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. For a full review of the position details, duties, and working conditions, please review the position description located here.

• Option 1: Three years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program OR
• Option 2: Bachelor's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological/oceanographic coursework.

• Experience working in marine environments, preferably the Pacific Northwest, and able to work at sea for multi-day surveys
• Experience coordinating and leading volunteers in the field
• Experience with marine ecological surveys
• Experience presenting research to technical audiences (e.g. scientific conferences), to policy decision makers, and the general public
• Experience writing outreach material, reports, and peer-reviewed publications
• Experience in database maintenance and use (e.g. Microsoft Access)
• Experience with oceanographic sensors and their calibrations (e.g. oxygen) as well as post-processing of collected data
• Experience using R software to evaluate, combine, summarize, visualize and statistically analyze complex datasets
• Experience with ArcGIS, including creating and editing shapefiles, and spatial analyses
• Preference may be given for a graduate degree with a focus in marine science

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...

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

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. Driving is required for this position. 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.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, we are proving that government can be innovative. We work as a team, challenging ourselves to be better, faster and more efficient with taxpayer dollars.