ob Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill two part-time (approximately 20 hours per week). seasonal (May-March), Biological Science Research Technician 1 positions for the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will assist with the research activities of the Vegetation Management Research Cooperative (VMRC) during the 2023-2024 dormant season. The VMRC conducts applied research on the reforestation of young conifer plantations from seedling establishment through crown closure with an emphasis on operational vegetation management.

The incumbent will assist with several fieldwork and laboratory activities such as measuring tree heights and diameter, collecting soil samples, install new and maintaining current research sites, conducting tree physiology measurements in the laboratory, processing tissue samples for biomass and nutrient content, working with automatic weather stations and soil moisture sensors, and assisting with data entry and other routine data management assignments. This work often involves working long days on harsh terrain and variable weather conditions. The position will be based in Corvallis, Oregon with trips to several research sites throughout western Oregon and Washington. Therefore, occasional overnight travel will be required.
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.

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
80% – Field Work:
Coordinate and delegate activities in the field to efficiently meet objectives.
Measure tree seedling height and diameters.
Build, install, maintain, and repair weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and data loggers.
Develop and edit programs in LoggerNet.
Understand the design of a new study site (where treatments should be applied, how sensors should be arranged throughout the site, clearly labeling all aspects of the site for future access, etc.) and guide activities to ensure successful installation of a new site.
Confidently read maps and use GPS units to navigate through new study sites.
Destructively sample tree seedlings for biomass estimation and nutrient content.
Collect samples such as litterfall and soil.
Drive vehicles to/from and between various field sites.

20% – Laboratory:
Weigh biomass and soil samples.
Conducting tree physiology measurements in the laboratory and greenhouse, such as water potential, stomatal conductance sensitivity to VPD, xylem hydraulic conductivity, and vulnerability to cavitation.
Enter data and use filters, pivot tables, etc. in Excel for quality control.
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
Experience working as part of a team in outdoor conditions.

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
Demonstrated ability to work with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.
Organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
Experience working with Microsoft Excel.
A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Up to 80% of the work requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and ability to carry up to 40 pounds for a moderate distance while traversing uneven terrain. The required work schedule on field days will often start before dawn in order to measure pre-dawn water potential. VMRC field sites are located in various areas throughout the PNW and overnight travel may be required.