Clay Michael Wilhelm
La Grande,OR
Summary
Motivated and hardworking individual with an academic background in ecological biology and natural processes. Seeking to gain more experiences. Eager to face new challenges, expand my expertise, and grow my skills in a dynamic organization.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Biological Science Assistant
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
La Grande, Oregon
06.2025 - Current
- Operate electrofishing equipment to safely capture and handle live specimens for research purposes.
- Assist in sampling and tagging of anadromous fish species, including Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Rainbow Trout/Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), as well as Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), and other species.
- Carry out snorkel seine sample collection methods to capture juvenile Chinook for tagging in regard to monitoring parr to smolt survival.
- Perform PIT tag injection procedures to enable long-term monitoring and tracking of individual fish. (In field and hatchery settings).
- Operation of rotary screw traps for the purpose of juvenile salmonid capture in abundance studies (night and day operation), removal and install of rotary screwtraps.
- Conducted PIT tag injection procedures for long-term monitoring and tracking of individual fish in field and hatchery settings.
- Carry out spawning ground surveys of varying lengths in remote areas.
- Collection of macroinvertebrate samples in collaboration with other agencies.
- Collected scale samples from juvenile steelhead/rainbow trout, mounted and analyzed scales to determine age, utilizing an imaging microscope for high-quality documentation.
Seasonal Utility
Boise Cascade
Elgin, Oregon
01.2022 - 06.2025
- Assisted in utility maintenance tasks and housekeeping, supporting smooth operation of equipment and facilities.
- Carry out tear down and rebuilding of glue pots to conduct preventive maintenance and necessary cleaning.
- Provided relief and filled in absences.
- Conducted tear down and rebuilding of glue pots for preventive maintenance and cleaning.
- Identified and categorized various job roles including utility, dryer feeder, and forklift driver.
Groundskeeper
City of Elgin
Elgin, Oregon
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Maintained city parks and public spaces through lawn care, planting, and landscaping to enhance community enjoyment.
- Supported upkeep of green areas and actively contributed to beautification projects, improving aesthetic appeal.
- Ensured safety and cleanliness of city grounds, fostering a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.
Intern, Waterfowl Banding
Ladd Marsh (OYCC)
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Conducted banding of waterfowl and doves during field research.
- Collected data on bird populations, aiding wildlife monitoring efforts and informing conservation strategies.
- Supported the facilitation of workshops, fostering skill development among participants.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Ecological Biology
Eastern Oregon University
La Grande, Oregon06-2025
High School Diploma - undefined
Elgin High School
Elgin, Oregon01-2021
Skills
- Electrofishing, Snorkeling, PIT tagging, field data collection, fish handling, Field Navigation, and Laboratory data management
- lab work such as scale mounting, reading and imaging, and data entry in PTAGIS P5 and Microsoft Access
- Wildlife Sampling: Proficient in wildlife sampling techniques from laboratory activities, internship experience, course work, and job duties
- Research & Data Collection: Ecological fieldwork expertise
- Field Teamwork: Team and independent work
- Field Navigation
- Manual Labor (ie, mechanical work, maintenance, equipment operation, and general upkeep)
Certification
Forklift Certification – Boise Cascade
Personnel Experiences
- I was raised in rural Elgin Oregon where our family has raised cattle all my life, I am comfortable operating large farm equipment.
- I have been engaged in outdoor recreation a majority of my life, from hunting and fishing to backpacking.
- Early during my undergraduate I owned a boat for fishing and would travel to the snake river to fish, the boat was 18 feet, I am comfortable and licensed to operate such watercraft.
Timeline
Biological Science Assistant
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
06.2025 - Current
Seasonal Utility
Boise Cascade
01.2022 - 06.2025
Groundskeeper
City of Elgin
06.2021 - 08.2021
Intern, Waterfowl Banding
Ladd Marsh (OYCC)
06.2019 - 08.2019
High School Diploma - undefined
Elgin High School
Bachelor of Science - Biology, Ecological Biology
Eastern Oregon University