Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Wildlife Data Manager)

Initial Posting Date:

05/23/2024

Application Deadline:

06/09/2024

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$4,338 – $6,635

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 2 (Wildlife Data Manager)

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’s (ODFW) located in Bend, La Grande, or The Dalles Oregon. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Are you passionate about making a difference with wildlife and their habitat and enjoy gathering and analyzing data? This could be the position you have been looking for! This position is incorporated into a variety of research and monitoring projects that will provide information to managers and the public on the roles of habitat, nutrition, human disturbance, predation, weather, and other factors on wildlife populations

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. Central Oregon attracts thousands of people who fish in the region for trout, salmon, steelhead and warm water fish. The outdoor opportunities are endless when it comes to fish and wildlife in Oregon! Bend, Oregon is known for its breweries, breathtaking views, and year-round recreational opportunities 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

What you will do:

Under the direction of the Program Leader, collaborate with project partners to collect and manage data, conduct data analyses, and assist with writing of manuscripts that summarize key results of research projects:

• Interact with GIS experts, statisticians, and project staff and collaborators to gather, analyze, and summarize wildlife data.

• Query data to provide to other staff for data analysis.

• Provide technical review of manuscripts written by program staff and collaborators.

• Prepare written reports and oral presentations for scientific outlets and managers.

• Conduct field work to assist with data collection efforts.

Manage wildlife data from the East Region

• At the direction of the East Region Wildlife Research Program Leader, collaborate with application developers for the maintenance and development databases for wildlife data.  Examples include but are not limited to; database(s) of animal GPS locations, camera trap photographs, ungulate monitoring data, non-game monitoring data.

• Implement quality control and assurance measures to ensure a high level of accuracy in databases and ensure collected data is within the bounds of biological realism for the species of interest.

• Compile relevant data from various sources for inclusion in centralized databases.

• Coordinate with application developers on the design of data entry, query, reporting, and analysis systems for wildlife data in the East Region to meet key biological parameters of the species of interest.

• Establish data collection protocols and methods that incorporate species specific data collection or survey needs.

• Coordinate with application developers to create new data systems and databases as needed.

• Work with application developers to ensure systems meet design specs and provide needed functionality for a variety of wildlife species.

• Provide guidance to ODFW staff on best available data types, storage, and management to meet research objectives.

• Promote improved data management and collection through developing electronic data collection approaches, coordination with application developers to integrate electronic data collection into existing databases, and assist in development of data storage, management, and reporting standards.

Conduct data collection on wildlife species in eastern Oregon

• Conduct bighorn sheep capture, collaring, and monitoring.

• Conduct surveys of wildlife on foot or from aircraft.

• Assist with data collection efforts on research and management projects in eastern Oregon.

• Document and identify solutions to inefficiencies in data collection.

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

Requires extended, daily use of personal computers to type, analyze, and summarize data.  Occasionally requires overnight travel.  Also requires occasional long hours and situations involving tight deadlines, meetings, interagency negotiations, and problem resolution.

Field work may require strenuous and sustained arduous physical activity because of the topography and winter weather conditions that can be encountered. Lifting supplies that exceed 50 lbs. (e.g., trapping supplies or bales of hay) will rarely be required. Work hours may vary to meet sampling schedules and may require overnight stay in remote settings. Employee may encounter people unhappy with the Department and natural resource management.

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.

Job requires being able to conduct aerial flights to locate radio collared animals and conduct surveys for wildlife.

Employee will work with other people and capture and collar wildlife.

This position requires a valid driver license and acceptable driving record.

This position requires an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card for on-the-job use of ATVs (Class 1 ATVs) obtained through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.  Holder of this position must be able to navigate across rough terrain in varying field and weather conditions in summer and winter using pickup trucks, all terrain vehicles in summer and snow mobiles in winter.

The duties of this position may include the use of a SPOTS Card for work-related purchases as a benefit to the agency.   Prior to being issued a SPOTS Card the employee must meet all necessary requirements in accordance with ODFW Policy ASD_250_03-SPOTS, including completing the ODFW SPOTS Card training.  Continued eligibility to possess and use a SPOTS Card requires that the holder remain in full compliance with ODFW Policy ASD_250_03_SPOTS.  The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal history background check with fingerprinting and will be subject to annual checks during employment.

This position requires occasional use of a firearm and munitions to deliver immobilization drugs and projecting nets for wildlife capture, euthanizing injured or sick wildlife, killing or hazing nuisance animals and birds, collecting animals for research or other studies, and protection from dangerous animals in close quarters. The intended use does not include physical force, personal protection, or personal use. The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal history background check with fingerprinting to verify s/he may legally possess a firearm and munitions before being hired into this position, and the employee will be subject to annual checks during employment. Training must be taken prior to using or transporting a firearm.

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:

Two years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included one year of at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports,

and a Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, 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; OR

One year biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program that included at least two of the following: gathering data, analyzing data, or preparing reports, and a Master’s degree Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Master’s degree in biological/ecological sciences; OR

A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, or a closely related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological sciences.

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.
 

Requested Skills:

• Demonstrated problem solving ability.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a diverse audience.

• Practical experience working outdoors and problem solving when things don’t go according to plan.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a team setting.

• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Access

• Demonstrated experience manipulating and managing data in R or other similar software

• Demonstrated experience conducting spatial and statistical analysis in R or other similar software

• Demonstrated experience using GIS software to manage and develop spatial data

• Demonstrated experience conducting field work and collecting data as part of a research or management project

• Demonstrated experience developing databases for use in natural resource management

• Demonstrated experience using existing software for electronic data collection (e.g., Survey123 or FieldMaps)

• Experience in multiple programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL) is preferred but not required

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. You may attach veteran documentation to your initial application in the same location you attach transcripts or other documentation.

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