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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.

Are you passionate about doing what’s best for marine species and environments? Join ODFW as our Marine Resources Program Manager and make a difference in Oregon’s marine fisheries, habitat, and coastal fisheries-dependent communities.

For this highly visible and demanding position, we’re looking for a dynamic and strong leader to guide the agency’s work on marine fisheries research, assessment, management, and policy development. We need an advocate for marine resources considering the human and energy development in coastal areas and nearshore waters that are also impacted by climate change and ocean acidification and hypoxia. We are seeking someone with a balanced, science-based approach to fisheries management that maximizes commercial and recreational opportunities.

Where will you live?

Newport, Oregon. The headquarters of ODFW’s Marine Resources Program (MRP) is co-located on Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center campus.

Newport is a bustling yet friendly and vibrant coastal community on the central Oregon Coast which values its fishermen, seafood processors, art and music scene, and science just as much as tourism. The collaborative spirit is put into practice in our community with fishermen, scientists, academics, managers, and volunteers all working together to creatively solve pressing and emerging marine resource management issues. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood and other cuisines, support local shops and the Saturday farmer’s market, explore miles of beaches and coastal forest trails, enjoy other outdoor activities and family friendly venues. Newport is just two and a half hours from Portland.

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

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ODFW’s Marine Resources Program:

ODFW’s Marine Resources Program (MRP) studies and manages the animals and habitats in the ocean and estuaries along 363 miles of coastline and to 200 nautical miles off the coast. Oregon’s diverse marine resources support commercial fisheries that annually contribute more than $500 million in personal income in the state, with saltwater sport fishing contributing more than $200 million in 2019. MRP also has a marine reserve system of five marine reserves and nine Marine Protected Areas.

MRP’s work focuses on commercial and saltwater sport fishery management, marine resource management through policy and regulation, fisheries monitoring and sampling, research, and species assessment. MRP leads the agency on high level policy issues affecting the marine environment.

MRP staff develop and lead cutting edge research on issues currently affecting marine fisheries and habitat, and in turn, coastal communities. Current/recent examples include the first ever nearshore fishery-independent rockfish survey, a ground-breaking human dimensions study to estimate how Oregonians assign non-dollar value to marine reserves, geographic locations where risk of whale entanglement in commercial Dungeness crab gear is higher, nearshore rocky reef seafloor mapping, and helping guide research to study imperiled kelp beds.

The Oregon coast supports many commercial and recreational fisheries including groundfish, shellfish, coastal pelagic, and highly migratory species such as albacore tuna. Because of MRP staff working with researchers and fishermen to reduce bycatch, Oregon’s pink shrimp fishery was the first in the world to be certified sustainable. Our commercial Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, pink shrimp and groundfish are all sustainable fisheries.

Oregon is a member of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the North Pacific States Marine Fishery Commission, participates on the International Pacific Halibut Commission, and works with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

We work closely with state, regional, and federal partners to develop policy and management of Oregon’s non-fishery marine resources. We are actively engaged in marine spatial planning for wind and wave energy to set a course for responsible renewable energy development off the Oregon coast with improved stakeholder input. With Oregon being an epicenter for ocean acidification and hypoxia, we have robust monitoring and are part of the and associated action plans. Our Marine Mammal Program staff provide humane and responsible management of pinniped predation on sensitive species in the Columbia and Willamette rivers.

What will you do?

You’ll provide overall leadership and supervision of about 120 MRP staff members to meet ODFW’s mission in the context of federal and state statutory and administrative rule obligations for management, monitoring and oversight of Oregon’s marine fish and pinniped resources.

Your primary work includes:

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

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:

Six years of lead work, supervision, or progressively related experience involving management of marine fisheries, marine research, resource management and policy, or program administration; OR three years of related experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a marine science or marine resource management program with at least 45 quarter (30 semester) hours of biological, ecological or social science coursework that relates to marine fisheries science, marine resource management and policy, or program administration.

Requested Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to navigate contentious situations.

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,

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.

If you are hired, you will become part of the State's management team. 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 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.

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More information about our agency can be found on our social media accounts and at and

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