Human Dimensions Project Leader; Natural Resource Specialist

Overview

Position Title Human Dimensions Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist
3)

Initial Posting Date 01/21/2026

Final date to receive applications 02/11/2026

Agency Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range $5,325 - $8,148

Position Type Employee

Job Description Note:
Effective Feb. 1, 2026, the compensation plan for this position will be increased to reflect a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. The salary listed in this posting does not reflect the COLA.

Make a Difference in Oregon’s Natural Resources! Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

As a Human Dimensions Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist
3) based in Newport, Oregon, your primary responsibilities will include leading the execution of ODFW’s Oregon Marine Reserves Human Dimensions Monitoring & Research Plan and serving as the Department’s primary point of contact with regards to social science related to the marine reserves and nearshore marine resource management.

Duties include:

• Identifying social science research priorities
• Leading research design, data collection, analysis and reporting both within ODFW and in collaboration with academic, community and other partners
• External communication
• Outreach and engagement
• Administering research budget
• Coordinating contracts and agreements
• Developing research grant proposals

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.

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or wildlife program 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 or Wildlife Science, a degree in human dimensions of natural resources or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework, OR three additional years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program.

Equivalency Notes

• A Master’s degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, a degree in human dimensions of natural resources or a closely-related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, a degree in human dimensions of natural resources or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.
• Applicants who have obtained a Master’s degree or Doctorate that included work experience from an internship, work/study, thesis, or similar program may list this experience in their application to receive credit for the work experience.
• The Master’s degree/Doctorate and applicable work experience will be considered separately, and both the education and applicable experience may count toward minimum qualifications.

• Preference given for a Doctorate degree with a focus in social science and/or human dimensions
• Master’s degree in social science (e.g., anthropology, economics, geography, psychology, political science, sociology)
• A publication record of social-ecological studies
• Interdisciplinary social science research experience
• Experience with human dimensions monitoring methods and survey design
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis experience in human dimensions research
• Experience effectively communicating scientific concepts to a wide range of audiences—including the public, stakeholders, rights holders, and the scientific community—paired with a strong background in outreach and engagement activities
• Experience leading multidisciplinary collaborations
• Economic modeling experience
• Data management experience
• Experience writing and securing grants

• Your application…