Seasonal Fisheries Employment Opportunities

Make a Difference in Oregon's Natural Resources! 

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.

Location:  Based at the lower Grande Ronde River trap site near Asotin, Washington.

Anticipated Duration:  

February 17 – May 30, 2026, lower Grande Ronde River smolt trap (three positions)

 (These are estimated dates. Length of season(s) may be shortened or extended depending on project needs, funding, or factors beyond the project’s control).

Job Description: What you will do: Employees will conduct daily fish sampling and PIT tagging and enter collected data into computer files.  Employees will operate and maintain a large fish trap and small boats. Requires working long hours, frequently on weekends, in adverse weather conditions and/or on slippery stream banks. Work requires driving long distances on gravel roads, possibly in adverse weather conditions. Lifting of fish and equipment up to 50 pounds is required. The trap will be operated seven nights/days per week. Employees will be working and living at a remote field station in adverse weather. Onsite housing will be provided, however, facilities are rudimentary (camping). During periods of intense monitoring activity, employees must work long hours at irregular times.  This position is physically demanding.

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

Questions about the positions? Please contact Patrick.J.Keniry@odfw.oregon.gov

Requirements/Requested Skills: Minimum qualifications are not established for these positions; however we are seeking applicants with the following related skills and experience (e.g., smolt trap operation,  identifying juvenile fish species (especially salmonids), collecting and accurately recording field data, computer skills, powerboat operation, and PIT tagging) and who possess or are in pursuit of a Fisheries or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with this background.

These positions require a Boater Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Marine Board. There are some exceptions to this (e.g., Coast Guard Boat Operator License or commercial fishing license). For further information, access the Web site at www.boatoregon.com. On your application, be sure to indicate in the Certificates & Licenses section if you have a card. If the selected applicant does not possess a card, s/he must obtain it before completion of the trial service period as a condition of continued employment.

Application Details and Instructions 

• Your application helps determine your starting salary. Be sure it accurately and thoroughly reflects your skills, experience, and education even if you don’t believe it directly relates to the position. We cannot accept any additional application materials submitted after the application deadline.
• 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.
• 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.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline.
• 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%.
• Reasonable accommodations 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.
• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event!
• If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503-947-6051.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

The Department of Fish and Wildlife (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.

Additional benefits include:

• Work/life balance, 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.
• Get There - Oregon’s easy-to-use carpool matching tool and trip planner.

Additional Details:

• 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.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation

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