08/28/2024 09/08/2024 Department of Fish and Wildlife $4,138 - $5,747 Employee Natural Resource Specialist 1 (Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Biologist) Limited Duration/Job Rotation Opportunity

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

• 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.

• 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:

. 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.

• 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.

• 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