Instream Flow Biologist

Initial Posting Date:

05/23/2024

Application Deadline:

06/06/2024

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$4,998 - $7,647

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 3 (Instream Flow Biologist)

Job Description:

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.

This position is with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) located in Central Point.

Are you passionate about protecting and making a difference with Oregon’s fish and wildlife populations? Do you have a background in assessing and understanding fish and wildlife water and habitat needs? Are you skilled in finding creative solutions to natural resource challenges and communicating with a variety of audiences? Then this position may be for you! Join the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Water Program to help ensure fish and wildlife water needs are met.

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

Did you know:

• We offer full medical, vision and dental plans with employees paying either 1-5% of their rates

• You will start out accruing 8 hours of sick and 8 hours of vacation leave per month, with your vacation leave accruals increasing every 5 years

• You have access to 24 hours (3 days) of personal business leave to use at your discretion each year

• You receive eleven paid holidays per year

What you will do:

• Serve as the Water Program lead for identifying, coordinating and/or implementing streamflow restoration projects in SW Oregon. Develop projects independently or in cooperation with watershed councils, and/or other entities interested in pursuing flow restoration opportunities. Conduct outreach with potential partners and willing water users on priority reaches and assist partners in identifying flow restoration opportunities.

• Develop detailed project plans and logistics for enhancing water quality and quantity conditions in stream reaches that are identified in watershed assessments or strategic action plans, or at other priority flow restoration sites. Participate in streamflow monitoring related to instream acquisition and instream water rights.

• Promote instream water purchases and leases and the use of programs that incentivize projects that return water instream. Develop educational materials regarding flow restoration priority areas, technical and funding resources, and mechanisms available to implement flow restoration projects.

•Work with fish Districts on water quantity and quality related projects.

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.

Working Conditions

• Roughly half of the work takes place in a general office environment.  Some work is outside, including:  working in inclement weather, in cold, swift streams.  Some travel and outdoor work must be done in a great variety of weather conditions.  Must be able to work and communicate effectively with ODFW staff, other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other private landowners.

Public speaking, meeting attendance and contribution is required.  Occasional overnight statewide travel is required.

• The duties of this position may include the use of a SPOTS Card for work-related purchases as a benefit to the agency. 

• 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.

Criminal Records/DMV Check
Applicants are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for all positions. Out-of-state finalists will be required to present a current certified 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 and/or driving 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.

We are seeking applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and have the following skills and experience:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of biological/ecological/hydrological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fisheries, hydrology, water management, stream ecology, or related field with a focus in instream flow or hydrology. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level in a fisheries, hydrology, water management, stream ecology, or related field with a focus in instream flow or hydrology performing activities 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 Science, Hydrology, Water Management, Stream Ecology, or a closely related Bachelor's degree with a focus in instream flow or hydrology with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of related coursework, or three additional years of experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in hydrology, water management, fisheries, stream ecology, or related fields with a focus in instream flow or hydrology.

A Master's degree in Fisheries Science, Hydrology, Water Management, Stream Ecology, or a closely related Master's degree with a focus in instream flow or hydrology will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.

A Doctorate degree in Fisheries Science, Hydrology, Water Management, Stream Ecology, or a closely related Doctorate degree with a focus in instream flow or hydrology will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Requested Skills:

• Preference will be given to candidates with a  Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in hydrology, water management, fisheries science, engineering, stream ecology, or related fields with a research focus in fisheries and/or water

• Preference will be given to candidates with research and experience in both hydrology and fisheries

•Understanding of Oregon water law, prior appropriation system, and ISWR rules and statutes

•Experience applying for and overseeing grants as well as working with private landowners

•Knowledge of state and federal statutes and regulations pertaining to water, including instream flows, water rights, water quality

Additional Information:

Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the "Job History" 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: 1) meet the minimum qualifications of the job and 2) 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.

Note: You will be required to provide a copy of your official or unofficial transcripts (online transcripts are acceptable) during the selection process that show your name, the name/address of the institution, coursework with passing grades, and degree conferred (including date), if you are using education to qualify. Transcripts and cover letters 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.

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

Internal Applicants: The contact information that is prefilled on your application is typically your work email and work phone number. Be sure to check your state email and Workday notifications for your status regarding the recruitment process. If you are away from the office or unable to check your state email account for an extended period, contact the HR Recruitment Unit and the hiring manager to let them know your personal email and phone number where you can be contacted. This will help to ensure you do not miss out on any correspondence that may be related to an interview. If you apply for a position as an internal applicant and then terminate while the recruitment is still in process, contact the Recruitment Unit to have your contact information updated.

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 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 www.oregonjobs.org 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.

Find information on State of Oregon benefits

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts and at myodfw.com and https://www.dfw.state.or.us/

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