Wildlife Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Initial Posting Date:
06/10/2026
Application Deadline:
06/21/2026
Agency:
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Salary Range:
$6,199 - $9,143
Position Type:
Employee
Position Title:
North Willamette Watershed Wildlife Area Manager (Fish and Wildlife Manager 2)
Job Description:
Help the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife fulfill its mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.
We are hiring for one full-time, permanent position located at the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area in Portland, Oregon.
What you will do:
At 15 miles long and 4 miles wide, Sauvie Island is the largest island in the Columbia River and a main stopping point for migratory birds as they travel along the Pacific Flyway between Alaska and South America. In the winter months the island hosts more than 150,000 waterfowl, including several species of ducks, geese and swans. Almost half of the island's 26,000 acres are owned by the State of Oregon, which purchased the land in the 1940s largely through funding from a federal tax on arms and ammunition. These lands were subsequently designated as a state wildlife area by the Oregon Legislature and placed under management of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and represent some of Oregon's best waterfowl hunting opportunities. Sauvie Island is also recognized as an incredibly important key habitat for many species of greatest conservation need by Oregon's Strategic Wildlife Action Plan.
Help lead the management of the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area by overseeing habitat restoration, wildlife population monitoring, public hunting access, and facility operations. This role steers conservation strategies, improves habitat for waterfowl and other species, establishes and maintains community partners, implements the waterfowl hunting program, manages recreational use of Sauvie Island Beaches all while ensuring responsible public use and effective management of state-owned lands. This position is also responsible for the hiring and supervising of permanent and seasonal staff.
Note: This position requires the successful candidate to either have or be able to obtain an Oregon State Marine Board Boater Education Card withing the first 60 days of hire.
A state-owned house is provided for the employee in this position. The employee will occupy this house as a condition of employment.
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.
Clearly describe how you meet the 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. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job
What we are looking for:
Minimum Qualifications:
To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

• Option 1: Eighteen months of experience in the care of livestock, agricultural research and experimentation, monitoring game or wildlife, or farming and five years and six months of wildlife experience in a wildlife program (two years of fisheries or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience). This experience must have included two years of lead work or supervisory experience.
• Option 2: A Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science, Agriculture, or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework and four years of wildlife experience in a wildlife program (two years of fisheries or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience). This experience must have included two years of lead work or supervisory experience.
• Option 3: An Associate's degree in Wildlife Technology or Agriculture and
  five years and six months of wildlife experience in a wildlife program (two years of fisheries or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience). This experience must have included two years of lead work or supervisory experience.

Desired Attributes:
We are looking for candidates with experience in the following:

• Team management and leadership
• Change transition
• Conflict resolution
• Infrastructure maintenance
• Harvest and hunting management

Application Details and Instructions

• 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.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline
• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
• Reasonable accommodation 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 call 503.947.6051 and ask to speak to a recruiter

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are hired, you will become part of the State's management service. 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.

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