Natural Resource Specialist 3 - Fish Health Specialist

This is a full time, Limited Duration position, with an anticipated start date of February 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OREGON’S NATURAL RESOURCES!

Opportunity Awaits, Apply Today!

As a Natural Resource Specialist 3 – Fish Health Specialist in Corvallis, Oregon, you will work to promote the health of Oregon’s fish resources and prevent and control fish diseases and fish losses. As a professional medical diagnostician-practitioner, you will:

Determine the cause of fish losses in public hatcheries and in naturally reared fish populations

Recommend appropriate therapy or changes in fish culture practices to prevent and control diseases.

Conduct fish health examinations, diagnostic necropsies, and facility inspections for biosecurity.

Prepare fish health activity summaries for the necessary reports to internal departments and external cooperating agencies. 

Collect, analyze, and interpret microbiological analysis of fish tissues for pathogens.

Prepare risk assessments considering fish health when there is proposed transfer or importation of fish or eggs or when passing fish above barriers.

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

Frequent travel to fish hatcheries or streams in western Oregon sometimes during adverse winter conditions to conduct fish health examinations. Each site is visited monthly. 

Must respond to emergency fish loss situations, on rare occasions need to travel weekends. 

Must be able to safely handle hazardous chemicals in the laboratory and lift adult salmon.

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, and does not exceed forty (40) hours in a workweek. Work exceeding 40 hours per week requires prior approval by the supervisor.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience in the fish health specialist field or a closely related field with knowledge of chemical, microbiological, virological and parasitology principles, microbiological laboratory techniques and terminology used in diagnosis of fish diseases, methods of fish disease prevention and control. 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 biological sciences such as biology, microbiology, zoology, fisheries science or veterinary medicine which includes successful completion of course work in fish diseases or fish health management and fisheries related courses or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological coursework, OR three additional years of  experience in the fish health specialist field or a closely related field with knowledge of chemical, microbiological, virological and parasitology principles, microbiological laboratory techniques and terminology used in diagnosis of fish diseases, and methods of fish disease prevention and control.

A Master's degree in biological sciences such as biology, microbiology, zoology, fisheries science or veterinary medicine which includes successful completion of course work in fish diseases or fish health management and fisheries related courses; Fisheries or Wildlife Science 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 biological sciences such as biology, microbiology, zoology, fisheries science or veterinary medicine which includes successful completion of course work in fish diseases or fish health management, microbiology, and fisheries related courses; Fisheries or Wildlife Science 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.

Desired Attributes

Veterinary Medical Degree (DVM) preferred

Veterinary training

Experience with fish health and pathology

Experience collecting biological samples

Experience observing behaviors and making assessments

Experience with cold water finfish aquaculture species

Experience with medical record keeping

Experience with bacterial culture and identification

Experience with molecular biology laboratory methods

APPLICATION DETAILS AND INSTRUCTIONS

Resume and cover letter are required, please attach to application.

Agency does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards.

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%.

Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date.

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).You may be disqualified if your experience listed in your resume, or 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. Only those individuals who most closely match the requested skills will be invited to an interview.

If you are using education to qualify, 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). 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.

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 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.

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

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.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

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.

To learn more about the agency and the work we do, view the following video at https://myodfw.com/about

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.

Additional benefits include 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Finalists will be subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for all positions. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration. 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.

If you are having trouble applying for this position or have questions, please contact the ODFW Human Resources office at 503.947.6051.

Reasonable accommodations for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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 Veteran 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.

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 | Pay Equity

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

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