Mule Deer Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Initial Posting Date:

10/15/2026

Application Deadline:

10/29/2026

Agency:

Department of Fish and Wildlife

Salary Range:

$5,458 - $8,352

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Mule Deer Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3)

Job Description:

Are you passionate about mule deer? Take the lead on mule deer management in Oregon!

This position is critical to ODFW commitment to effective and coordinated mule deer management in Eastern Oregon. This position coordinates across multiple districts, research program, and wildlife and habitat divisions to provide consistency in survey efforts, and data collection to inform an integrated population for 22 mule deer herd ranges. This position also provides guidance for habitat management efforts to address factors limiting mule deer productivity. A biennial commitment of $1.5 million dollars is being leveraged with other state and federal funds to improve mule deer habitat at a scale not previously possible. Additional information on Oregon’s renewed focus on mule deer management can be found with the following links:

• Oregon Mule Deer Management Plan
• Migration Matters
• Mule Deer Initiative 5-Year Summary

 

As a Mule Deer Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist 3) based in La Grande, Oregon,  you will be responsible for implementation of the Oregon Mule Deer Management Plan by functioning as the technical expert on mule deer management and primary point of contact between Wildlife Division and field biologists. Duties include:

• Oversee implementation of mule deer plan strategies. Monitor success of plan and provide regular status updates to Wildlife Division, the Commission, and other interested parties. Collaborate with Habitat Division and District Biologists to incorporate mule deer needs and management strategies into local, state, and federal land use decisions.
• Guide mule deer data collection and analysis efforts. Determine annual region capture needs. Analyze GPS collar data to assess boundaries of herd ranges to determine if updates are needed. Conduct survival analyses to assess environmental factors affecting mule deer survival and mortality. Conduct habitat use analyses to provide guidance on vegetation management projects to benefit mule deer. Conduct periodic reassessments of mule deer migration routes to identify potential barriers to migration or inform land management decisions.
• Lead mule deer population monitoring efforts. Collaborate with researchers, contractors, and others to develop, and implement statistically valid mule deer population models. Evaluate model performance, identify bugs, and recommend improvements over time. Coordinate district survey efforts and implement best practices for data collection to meet data analysis and monitoring needs.

 

 

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.

 

This position requires acquiring an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety Education Card obtained through the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department within the first six months of appointment.

For a full review of the position details, duties and working conditions, click here.

 

Clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and 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

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Minimum Qualifications

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

Option 1: Six years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or wildlife program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities;

 

- OR -

Option 2: 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, AND three years of biological experience performing studies, research, or resource management activities in a fish or wildlife program. At least one year of the experience must be at a technical or professional level performing activities in a fish or wildlife program such as researching and analyzing data, conducting investigations, applying pertinent laws and regulations, or coordinating and monitoring project activities;

 

Equivalency Notes:

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

• Wildlife management experience managing, researching, or monitoring mule deer or similar big game species including, population monitoring, modeling, survey design, and data interpretation
• Statistical analysis and modeling experience, including applying statistical methods to develop, evaluate, and improve population models, conducting survival analyses, identifying environmental drivers, and ensuring methodological consistency.
• Collaboration experience with biologists, cross‑division teams, federal agencies, tribes, private landowners, and technical working groups to address complex management challenges.  
• Project and program management experience, including planning, budgeting, , and coordinating complex projects such as capture operations, equipment management, data workflows, and collaborative research efforts

 

This position requires a cover letter, no longer than 2 pages, to be submitted with your application. The cover letter should address the following:

• Your interest in this position.
• The specific skills, knowledge and experience that demonstrate your strong alignment with the role’s requirements.
• If you possess any of the desired attributes listed in the announcement, please describe how your experience reflects those qualifications.

 

Failure to attach a cover letter, or address the information requested, may result in your application being removed from further consideration.

 

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 503.947.6051 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.

 

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 https://myodfw.com/about

 

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. 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 http://www.dfw.state.or.us/

 

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