Fish and Wildlife Technician

Position: Fish and Wildlife Technician  

Company: Real Time Research, Inc. (RTR; www.realtimeresearch.com) is located in Bend, Oregon and specializes in biological field studies, data collection, analysis, and technical writing. RTR employees have been conducting fish and wildlife research, monitoring, and evaluation studies in the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years. 

Job description: We are seeking a technician to assist in monitoring piscivorous colonial waterbirds and to investigate predation on endangered salmonids in the Columbia River basin. This project is a continuation of long-term collaboration with researchers from RTR and Oregon State University. For additional project information please visit www.birdresearchnw.org. Field work involves ground, boat, and aerial wildlife surveys to assess waterbird species, distributions, and size and the collection of fisheries data to evaluate predation effects. Office tasks include spatial data analysis and database management using GIS applications and Microsoft Office Suite (~30% of time). The position requires extending working hours, in all conditions (wet, cold, windy, smoky, or hot), with limited and irregular days off. The work can be physically strenuous and may involve sitting, standing, and walking for long periods of time using binoculars, spotting scopes, and PIT-tag detection antennas. Data collection requires boating on rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and trailering boats. The technician may also be required to train volunteers and staff from other agencies.  

Candidates with the following skills/experience will receive strong preference: 

Boating experience on large rivers/lakes, including trailering. 

GIS experience, including database setup and management using ArcGIS Pro and working with spatially referenced photography 

Previous field experience working with colonial waterbirds and PIT-tagged fishes, including boat and aerial surveys and the detection of active and passive tags in fisheries and wildlife research projects.  

Location: Field sites span the Columbia River basin. Operations will be based out of RTR’s office in Bend, OR with frequent travel to sites near Tri-cities, WA and Astoria, OR, and other field sites as needed. 

Duration: Temporary full-time position with an estimated start date April 20–27, 2026 and estimated end date October 9, 2026. 

Compensation: Monthly salary of $3,500–$4,200 (DOE). Travel expenses (food, lodging, transport) provided while working in the field. A cell phone stipend ($25/month) will also be provided. Excluding the benefits listed, this is a non-benefited employee which will be paid monthly. 

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Wildlife Science, or a related field. Must possess a valid U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. work authorization, and be able to pass a criminal and driving background check prior to hire. Ability to work outdoors in remote locations and in all weather conditions for extended periods. Ability to lift heavy objects and perform strenuous and repetitive field work. Ability to travel for extended periods of time.  

To apply: Send cover letter, resume/CV, and list of three professional references to Katie Adase at: katie.adase@realtimeresearch.com with the subject line: 2026 Fish and Wildlife Technician Application. Letters of recommendation are encouraged. References checked only after approval by applicant. 

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026; position open until filled