Biological sciences research technician
Location
Bend, OR | United States
Job description
Biological Sciences Research Technician 2
Oregon State University - Cascades
Department : Acad
Prog / Student Aff (LCB)
Appointment Type: Classified Staff
Job Location: Bend
Recommended Full-Time
Salary Range: Job Summary: This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Sciences Research
Technician 2 position for the Human and Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainability Lab (HERS) at Oregon State University (OSU) Cascades.
This is a limited duration appointment expected to last approximately 6 months from the appointment begin date.
The Oregon
State University Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab is a research institution co-led by OSU Cascades and the
National Park Service that delivers expertise in ecological assessment and monitoring, restoration, and native plant materials to support
evidence-based conservation for the 21st century. The HERS Lab hosts the Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network of the
National Park Service (UCBN), East Cascades Native Plant Hub (ECNPH), and the Northwestern Bat Hub on the OSU Cascades campus in Bend, OR.
The Lab is hiring one Biological Field Research Technician 2 (BSRT2) to assist UCBN with collecting long-term monitoring data on vegetation
communities in park units and the East Cascades Native Plant Hub with seed collection, propagation, and restoration planting.
Field
work for this position is diverse and dynamic, well-balanced with hard work and time off, and offers a unique opportunity to gain experience
in several facets of native plant work: seed collection, plant propagation, planting, and monitoring in collaboration with a variety of land
management agencies. The technician hired for this position will primarily assist UCBN long-term monitoring (May-August) of camas lily,
Lemhi penstemon, sagebrush steppe vegetation, pinyon pine, and limber pine. Park sites include Nez Perce National Historic Park, Craters of
the Moon National Monument, City of Rocks National Reserve, and Big Hole National Battlefield. The technician will also assist ECNPH with
seed increase and planting (April-May) and seed collection and planting (September-October) throughout Central Oregon. This position will be
based in Bend, OR, where there is excellent access to hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking/rafting opportunities. The
position will require regular travel and camping, frequently on field hitch schedule (8 days on/6 days off). Technicians will be part of a
crew of 2-3 UCBN staff that frequently collaborates with HERS lab staff, individual park staff, and additional partners.
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 dont 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:
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 States beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of Americas 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.
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 50% Conduct Field Surveys (UCBN): - Assisting with vegetation monitoring protocols designed to address UCBNs vegetation vital signs (training provided).
- Confidently and consistently identifying grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees by sight and using a dichotomous key.
- Hiking long
distances (up to 12 mi), on and off trail, over very rugged terrain.
- Hiking with packs weighting 30+ pounds
- Collecting
vegetation data using tablets and hand-held GPS units.
- Working independently and collaboratively with a team.
10%
Data Management and Summary (UCBN): - Compiling, entering, and reviewing field data records, ensuring accuracy and
completeness.
- Inventorying and maintaining field gear.
- Collaborating with UCBN staff to complete protocol reviews.
40% Native Plant Materials Projects (ECNPH): - Seed collection and seed cleaning.
- Greenhouse
maintenance including plant propagation, watering, and pest management.
- Field activities including planting for seed increase and
restoration projects.
What You Will Need - Experience with plant taxonomy, identifying plants by sight, and using
dichotomous keys to identify unknown plants.
- Enthusiasm for learning tree pests and pathogens identification
- Interest in
native plant propagation and restoration planting.
- Experience with using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and
navigation, including Survey123 and Field Maps.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database
programs (Microsoft Access).
- Willingness and ability to hike off-trail on very rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
- Willingness and ability to camp and work in variable weather conditions, while always prioritizing safety.
- Demonstrated ability
to work independently, self-direct, and collaborate effectively.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills,
both verbal and written.
- Valid, state-issued drivers license.
- A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing
diversity
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 drivers 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 - Background in vegetation monitoring
- Experience identifying rangeland and sagebrush steppe species
(grasses, forbs, and shrubs) in addition to trees in forested habitats.
- Experience implementing forest stand exam techniques,
including measurement of tree diameter, heights, and health characteristics.
- Experience in learning and applying tree pest and
pathogen identification skills.
- Experience with native plant propagation and planting.
Working Conditions / Work
Schedule Work schedule will vary depending on the project. ECNPH work will follow a Monday-Friday schedule (April-May and
September-October), however UCBN monitoring will primarily follow an 8 days on/6 days off schedule (typically Monday- Monday).
The
technician will be working outdoors in a greenhouse and assisting with both front country and backcountry fieldwork. The position will
require heavy lifting, extended periods of standing, hiking long distances off-trail on very rugged terrain, frequent travel in a government
vehicle, and regular car camping.
Special Instructions to Applicants This posting has been re-opened in order to expand
the original applicant pool."
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 19th, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the
position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
Applications will be reviewed based on the
information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting
specific question responses, transcripts, etc.
Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for
the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position. Equivalent required experience is based on
full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).
Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your
qualifications.
If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and
note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.
Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the
salary range.
For additional information please contact:
Sarah Barsch
208-310-0429
OSU commits to inclusive excellence
by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage
applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ
community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
OSU
will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to
inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the
justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer
will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual
misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our
Background Checks website including the
for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or
concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSUs Employee and Labor Relations team at
[email protected] .
To apply, please visit:
jeid-5be1a38f68d96d40a19ebd13c23bb0a5
Job tags
Salary
