Coldwater Project Assistant; Biological Science Assistant

Position Title

Coldwater Project Assistant (Biological Science Assistant)

02/26/2026

03/08/2026

Department of Fish and Wildlife

$3,515 - $4,124

Employee

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.

We are hiring for one full-time, seasonal position located in Salem, Oregon. The duration of this position is anticipated to be from April 15, 2026 through October 31, 2026. (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).

Oregon is an outdoor haven with glaciated mountain peaks to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the massive Columbia River Gorge to the north. Opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing abound. 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.

Oregon is known for its vineyards, breweries, and adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Music, museums, and community events help Oregonians celebrate its diversity as well as its connectedness. Oregon truly offers a rich cultural experience that is unique to the Pacific Northwest!

To learn more about the department, the work we do, and see our beautiful state, view the following video at

In this role, you will focus on data collection efforts associated with Water Program‑led field studies, with a primary focus on a multi‑year statewide effort to identify and document cold water sources around the state. This will involve deploying and retrieving water temperature thermistors at tributary junctions and presumed cold‑water patches in select geographies, as well as collecting data, writing descriptions of sample site characteristics and site access information.

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.

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

What we are looking for:

Minimum qualifications are not established for this position; however, we are seeking applicants with the following experience or skills. Preference for interviews may be given to candidates with these skills and background:

• Ability to conduct field work under a variety of weather conditions ranging from heat in summer to cold in winter.
• Experience (e.g., fish sampling, conducting habitat surveys, hydrology, or biological sampling
• Experience collecting biological samples from fish and accurately recording field data
• Must be self‑motivated, willing to work under a variety of conditions, and responsible for the quality of data collected
• Anyone who possesses or is in pursuit of a Fisheries, hydrology, or Wildlife Science degree or related degree in biological/ecological sciences.
• Comfortable communicating with team members and the public
• Must maintain their own schedule, decide how to safely and efficiently access and work in streams and estuary, and collect data following a complex protocol.
• Must work independently, often in remote areas. Surveyors may be able to contact a field supervisor by phone or email only once per week, and be visited in the field only once every two to three weeks.

Questions about the position? Please contact Spencer Sawaske at:
Spencer.

R.Sawaskegon.gov

• 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 Final date to receive applications.
• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance…