Pacific Halibut & Sport Groundfish Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date

08/03/2026

Application Deadline

08/17/2026

Agency

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range

$5,458 - $8,352

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Pacific Halibut & Sport Groundfish Project Leader (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

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 Marine Resources Program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) located in Newport.

What You Will Do

This position leads management activities for Oregon’s recreational groundfish and Pacific halibut fisheries—work that blends deep technical analysis with high‑level communication and collaboration. As the agency’s subject matter expert, you’ll analyze fishery data, model regulatory outcomes, and evaluate the biological and economic impacts of proposed management measures. You’ll represent ODFW on the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Groundfish Management Team, working closely with partners across state and federal agencies, tribes, and industry.

As the primary point of contact for recreational groundfish and halibut fisheries, you’ll communicate regularly with PFMC, NOAA Fisheries, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, law enforcement, ODFW staff, anglers, industry members, and the public through reports, presentations, meetings, and direct outreach. This role is central to shaping informed, science‑based fishery management and ensuring clear, accurate communication across a wide network of stakeholders.

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.

Clearly describe how you meet the desired attributes in your application materials. We cannot accept additional application materials after the application deadline. These materials determine whether you move forward in the selection process and help establish your starting salary. Be sure your work and education history is accurate, thorough, and fully reflects your skills and experience, even if they do not seem directly related to the position. Click here to learn more about Equal Pay Analysis and What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Minimum Qualifications

What we are looking for

To be considered for this position, all applicants must meet one of the following options:

• Option 1: Six (6) years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or marine program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities
• Option 2: Three (3) years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or marine 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 Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Bachelor's degree with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological/ecological/oceanographic coursework, or three additional years of biological/ecological/oceanographic experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or marine program

Equivalencies

• A Master's degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Master's degree in biological/ecological/oceanographic sciences will substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
• A Doctorate degree in Fisheries or Wildlife Science, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Fisheries Management/Science, or a closely-related Doctorate degree in biological/ecological/oceanographic sciences will substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Note: 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

• Analyzing impacts of marine fishery regulations on fish stocks and fishing communities
• Managing fisheries
• Conducting fisheries research or analysis, including fishery economics
• Writing reports and presenting results
• Public speaking and making presentations
• Working with recreational fishermen/charter operations
• Working collaboratively in a fast-paced consensus-driven interdisciplinary team
• Working on ecosystem-based fisheries management

Application Details and Instructions

• The State of Oregon does not request or require your age, date of birth, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution during the application process.
• 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%
• 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
• State of Oregon Employees, must apply through their employee Workday account.
• Please save a copy of this job announcement for reference, as it is not available for you to view after the announcement deadline
• First time applying to the State of Oregon? Consider utilizing a WorkSource Oregon Resource event! You can also view this video or this knowledge article for assistance.
• Reasonable accommodation for interviews will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities
• 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
• If you are experiencing difficulty applying for this position or have questions, please call View phone number on workus.org and ask to speak to a recruiter

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

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

Additional Benefits Include

• 11 paid holidays a year and a competitive benefits package
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

Additional Information

• 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.
• Finalists are subject to both a criminal history and motor vehicles check. Driving is required for this position. Adverse background and/or driving information may disqualify you from further consideration.
• 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
• Veterans’ and Oregon National Guard preference: Eligible Veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers (current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation |Ready to Relocate to Oregon | Carpool Matching Tool: Get There Oregon

More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and at myodfw.com and

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