Wildlife Research Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)
Job Description
Initial Posting Date:
06/09/2026Application Deadline:
06/23/2026Agency:
Department of Fish and WildlifeSalary Range:
$3,798 - $5,193Position Type:
EmployeePosition Title:
Wildlife Research Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician)Job Description:
This is a full time, Limited Duration position with an anticipated duration of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
We will also consider a Job Rotation for current, regular status employees of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in good standing in a permanent or limited duration position (not temporary or seasonal) that is expected to continue through at least June 30, 2026. Please attach approval from your current manager to be considered for this job rotation in the resume/cover letter section of your application.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!
Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!
As a Wildlife Research Technician (Fish and Wildlife Technician) in John Day, Oregon, you will coordinate and conduct data collection efforts on mule deer in the East Region. Duties include:
Capture of mule deer fawns and adults. Capture fawns immediately following birth and equip with a GPS collar. Assist with capturing adult mule deer in the winter from a helicopter.
Assist with capture of coyotes, cougars, black bear, and bobcat. Cougars will be captured with the aid of pursuit hounds. Coyotes, black bear, and bobcat will be captured using various trapping techniques.
Monitor survival and determine cause of mortality for mule deer.
Monitor survival and dropped collars from carnivore species.
Deploy camera traps to monitor wildlife. Assess species and information contained in photographs and enter data into a database.
Assist with data entry and management by entering data into a database and conducting QA/QC on existing data.
Interact with landowners and members of the public.
Assist with other data collection needs as required.
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 acquiring an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department within the first thirty days of appointment.
For a full review of the position details, duties and working conditions, click here.
The goal of this recruitment is to fill the positions at the Fish & Wildlife Technician (FWT) level. However, we encourage candidates to apply for the Fish & Wildlife Technician Entry level ($3429 - $4207/mo.) as the department may consider under-filling the position.
Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes in your application materials. Your application materials will determine if you are selected to move forward in the selection process. Please include detailed work and education history.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Minimum Qualifications
Fish and Wildlife Technician ($3798 - $5193)
Option 1: An Associate's degree in Wildlife Technology or Agriculture;
-OR-
Option 2: Eighteen months of experience in the care of livestock, agricultural research and experimentation, monitoring game or wildlife, or farming. (Six months of fisheries or related habitat work experience will count toward this experience).
Equivalency Notes:
A higher level degree in Wildlife Science, Agriculture, or a closely-related degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework will substitute for the Associate’s degree.
Fish and Wildlife Technician Entry Option ($3515 - $4312):
Minimum qualifications are not established for this classification (there are no minimum qualifications). Previous related experience is desirable.
Desired Attributes
Wildlife fieldwork and handling experience
Data entry and management experience
Experience interacting with landowners
Experience collecting biological samples
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
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. 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