September 6, 2024

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Central Point

FULL TIME

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Biologist) Limited Duration/Job Rotation Opportunity

Initial Posting Date:

09/06/2024

Application Deadline:

09/19/2024

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$4,138 - $5,747

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Biologist) Limited Duration/Job Rotation Opportunity

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 is a limited duration, full-time position is with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) located in Central Point, Oregon. This position is expected to last through June 30, 2025.

We will also consider a Job Rotation for current, regular status employees of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in good standing in a permanent or limited duration position (not temporary or seasonal) that is expected to continue through at least June 30, 2025. Please attach approval from your current manager to be considered for this job rotation in the resume/cover letter section of your application.

What you will do:

Conduct CWD sampling from harvested and roadkill salvaged cervid heads and carcasses.

Collection of samples from harvested animals from taxidermists and meat processors.

Assist districts with CWD sampling at hunting season check stations and submit samples to the Health Lab for diagnostic workup. Removal and testing of targeted surveillance animals.

Complete ODFW capture and immobilization course - Capture CWD susceptible cervids using physical restraint and chemical immobilization equipment for research or management purposes. Complete ODFW Humane Killing and Euthanasia course. Assist vets and district staff with sample collection training for field staff, hunters and hunting non-profit groups, including in-person and recorded video instruction.
Conduct CWD database entry and data management/GIS mapping using various programs and data management tools. Assist with carcass/head collection at locations in strategic sampling areas located statewide. Assist with carcass disposal coordination – landfill and/or incineration. Provide information to the public on ODFW CWD objectives, surveillance, prevention, and management. Speak to community groups, service groups, or other public forums regarding CWD science and management topics.

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

Job requires employee to travel by air, foot or vehicle through isolated, rugged terrain. Typical work includes exposure to all types of inclement weather. Driving under inclement road conditions and handling of wild animals are required. Public contacts sometimes include confused or contentious individuals.
This position may require use of a SPOTS card for work-related purchases.
This position requires occasional use of a firearm to deliver immobilization drugs and projecting nets for wildlife capture, euthanizing injured or sick wildlife, killing or hazing nuisance animals or birds, collecting animals for research or other studies, and protection from dangerous animals in close quarters.
This position requires an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card for on-the-job use of quads (Class 1 ATVs) obtained through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, accessible at the following website:

www.rideatvoregon.org/

. On your application, be sure to indicate in your job description if you have a card or a copy of your card can be attached. If the selected applicant does not possess this certification, they must obtain it within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.

This position requires First-Aid and CPR certification.
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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

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 years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program.

Requested Skills:

Good interpersonal and communication skills
Knowledge of basic wildlife biology and physiology
Working knowledge of Chronic Wasting Disease in North American Cervids
Knowledge of databases, database programs, basic mapping skills
Experience with various communication media and approaches

Additional Information:

Your answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by your resume or the "Job History" section in your application or you may not be considered for this position. 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. 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.

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. 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.

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