Research Fish Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date: 08/24/2026

Application Deadline: 09/02/2026

Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range: $5,907 - $8,717

Position Type: Employee

As the District Fish Biologist (Supervising Fish and Wildlife Biologist) in Klamath Falls, Oregon, you will lead and coordinate the management of district fish resources, including supervising staff responsible for field data collection and responding to public inquiries.

The position oversees the collection and analysis of fish population data, protects aquatic and riparian habitats through field investigations and regulatory coordination, and develops habitat restoration and public access projects.

This position works directly with other state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental partners throughout the district.

Additionally, the role provides public outreach on agency programs and manages fisheries across Lake, Klamath, and portions of Jackson Counties.

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.

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your application materials.

We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline.

These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary.

Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position.

• Minimum Qualifications: 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 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 fisheries or wildlife program. One year of experience must have included leadwork or supervisory duties.
• 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.

• Desired Attributes: Leadership and supervisory experience – including setting priorities, supporting staff development, and maintaining accountability for performance and outcomes to achieve shared resource management goals.
• Biological survey and data analysis experience – including designing and conducting fish population and harvest surveys, operating specialized field equipment, analyzing biological data, and presenting scientific findings to diverse audiences.
• Regulatory and stakeholder coordination experience – including interpreting and communicating agency policies, negotiating mitigative actions with external entities, providing expert testimony, and effectively representing the agency in multi-jurisdictional planning processes.
• Community engagement experience – including building and maintaining productive relationships with state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental organizations to support coordinated, informed decision-making.
• Public communication and outreach experience – including responding to public inquiries, preparing educational materials, delivering presentations, and negotiating controversial topics related to fisheries and habitats.

The cover letter should be no longer than two pages and should address the following: Your interest in this position; the specific skills, knowledge and experience that demonstrate your qualifications for the role; if you possess any of the desired attributes listed in the announcement, describe how your experience aligns with those expectations. Failure to attach a cover letter, or to address the requested information, may result in your application being removed from further consideration.

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.

The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT/PST) on the close date.

Reasonable accommodation for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

• Your work may be in the outdoors of Oregon, with opportunities to fish, hunt, and enjoy natural environments.
• 11 paid holidays a year.
• 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 become part of the State's management team.

Pay and benefits on all job listings may change without notice.

• Finalists are subject to 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 sponsorship.

• 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.

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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The Oregon state government is a large organization by nearly any standard. With over 40,000 employees working all over the state, in small communities and large, 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. After all, when every day we are responsible for caring for the needs of a diverse population and thriving business community, we simply must have the best and brightest workforce.

Our culture continues to be shaped by the diversity and inclusion values of getting the best workforce possible. If you take responsibility for your actions, are passionate about helping others succeed, and have a reputation for excellence and honesty, why not make Oregon state government your next career move? Joining our team means you open the door to many possibilities. From entry level to executive, outdoor work to policy setting, we have a role for nearly every calling, expertise and background. If you're looking at us from across the country, know that Oregon is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Made up of seven diverse regions, Oregon has the ocean, mountains, valleys, high desert, cities, small towns, and almost everything in between. Oregon flies with her own wings.