Job Description

Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 position for the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position is responsible for conducting a variety of field botany methods including initial plot characterization, line-point intercept transects, and vegetation height structure using established protocols. The incumbent may also assist in measurement of trees and fuel loading.

This position is also be responsible for preparing and leading a field crew in the completion of data collection tasks, planning and logistics, ensuring that Oregon State University (OSU) policies and procedures are followed, communicating with project sponsors, and managing data.

This position will support field data collection associated with research and vegetation monitoring studies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon in collaboration with the Malheur National Forest and the Southern Blues Restoration Coalition. The goal of this multi-party monitoring program is to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration treatments, inform adaptive management strategies, and develop social acceptance of restoration strategies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon. The data from this project is used to evaluate the effects of forest restoration, vegetation management, fuels treatments, prescribed burns, and wildfires on understory plant composition, surface fuels, and overstory structure and composition.

Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
40% – Data Collection:
Lead field crew in data collection efforts. Navigate to field sites, take forest understory vegetation measurements, and record data.

10% – Data Management:
Compile and enter collected data into database, review for quality control.

10% – Administrative Tasks:
Communicate with United States Forest Service (USFS) project sponsors in absence of supervisor/Principal Investigator (PI).

10% – Transportation Planning/Logistics:
Arrange and provide daily transportation via OSU Motor Pool vehicles for crew from lodging to field sites.

30% – Lead Work:
Provide lead work to field crew, including answering questions and providing direction in the field. Ensure that crew members follow written protocols for data collection, and applicable Oregon State University (OSU) policies and procedures (driving, safety, etc.). Work collaboratively with other members of the research team to contribute to a work environment that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all team members.
What We Require
Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science) and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

What You Will Need
Two years of college-level courses in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or related field and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience in data entry, quality control, and management of digital data
Knowledge of techniques of field botany including vegetation cover assessments using quadrats and transects with point-intercept methods.
Experience identifying grass species.
Experience with semi-arid forest ecosystems with a history of frequent fire, including the ability to identify relevant understory herbaceous and woody vegetation.
Demonstrated strong teamwork and leadership skills to facilitate effective, respectful, and diplomatic interactions with others.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace environment for individuals with a range of different backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and/or life experiences

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030
What We Would Like You to Have
Master’s or bachelor’s degree in related field.
Experience identifying native and invasive grasses of eastern Oregon.
Knowledge of and experience with flora of eastern Oregon.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
This position requires the ability to work long hours outdoors in in all weather conditions in a remote forested environment. The ability to traverse steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain is required.
The anticipated required work schedule will be 8 days on and 6 days off for 12-14 weeks of the summer.
Lodging in bunkhouses at the Malheur National Forest is provided. However, some overnight camping outdoors may be required on occasion, depending on the field site.