Biological Science Assistant (Fish Health Technician)

Make a Difference in Oregon's Natural Resources!
ODFW Mission: To protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations.

Location: Based out of Madras, Oregon.

This is a part time position working 20 hours per week and does not have any potential to develop into a full time position. The starting salary will be $1,411/month ($16.29/hr).

: What you will do: Assist the Fish Health Specialist with the detection, prevention and control of fish diseases and fish losses and promote the health of Oregon's fish resources specifically in the Deschutes River watershed. Assist in collecting samples, maintaining a clean laboratory, preparing samples for microbiological assays. Assist in both upstream and downstream fish health passage issues related to reintroduction of anadromous salmonids and lamprey above the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric project. Examine fish being passed above the project as well as downstream migrants will be of primary importance to document pathogen presence on these fish and examine the potential impact on native fishes above the project. Must be able to safely handle hazardous chemicals, sampling gear of various types and lift adult salmon and 5-gallon buckets of fish and water and be able to withstand handling of dead fish tissues and blood. This position requires a flexible work schedule that varies in the number of hours worked on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day, or a work schedule in which the starting and stopping times vary on a daily basis, but not necessarily each day.

Questions about the position? Please contact .

Requirements/Requested Skills:

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, we are seeking applicants with the following related skills and experience: fisheries work, experience in laboratory setting, knowledge base of microbiology, experience in animal health sciences, possess excellent organizational and technical skills; and who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Animal Sciences, or Microbiology/Biology degree or related degree. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with this background.

Criminal Records/DMV Check

Applicants are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current driving record for review to be considered for the position. Be prepared to obtain as soon as possible. You are expected to provide the out-of-state certified driving record before an offer can be made unless extenuating circumstances exist. Adverse background information may disqualify you from further consideration.

NOTE: 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.

Additional Information:

Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the "Job History" (Work Experience) section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. Resumes will not replace the completed "Job History" section in your online application. You may be disqualified if your experience listed in the “Job History” section does not include information used to back up your answers to the supplemental questions. If any of the positions listed in your application are part time or seasonal, be sure to include the dates you worked (month and year) and the average amount of hours worked per week in the duties section. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.

For helpful tips on filling out your job history, responding to the supplemental questions, and submitting your application,

Notes for External Applicants (non-state of Oregon employees): If you would like to retain a copy of this job posting, please print a copy before submitting your application. Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting. The system will timeout after 20 minutes of inactivity. You must submit your application after you begin the process. You cannot save your progress and come back to it later.

Attachments: If you’d like to attach a cover letter or a copy of your official or unofficial college transcripts, they can be attached to your application in the Resume/CV/Cover Letter attachments field when you apply. Cover letters may not be reviewed unless it is stated as a requirement in the job posting.

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.

Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.

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.

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.

Veterans - If you are an eligible veteran and you meet the qualifications, veterans' preference points will be added to your score. For more information on veterans' preference points visit and select Veterans resources under Resources. Please do not attach veteran documentation to your initial application, after you have applied you will be sent a task in your Workday account to provide your veteran documentation at that time.

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If you are passionate about natural resources, we invite you to join our team and assist with furthering ODFW’s mission by partnering with communities and sharing how our work has a positive effect on Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats. 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. Consider joining our team as we lead ODFW into the future!

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