Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill two full-time Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 positions for the Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU).

Position will assist in scientific research in the Columbia River basin (Southwestern Washington, Northern & Eastern Oregon, and Southwestern Idaho). This project is a high-resolution, watershed level mercury monitoring effort to characterize spatiotemporal trends in mercury levels, using dragonfly larvae (Anisoptera) as biosentinels.

Responsibilities include field work in remote areas, up to 8 days at a time. Field surveys will consist of daily sampling trips to multiple sites located on private and public wetlands, including ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Sampling will involve netting and collecting dragonfly larvae, collecting water and soil samples, and recording in situ water chemistry and habitat observations. This fieldwork requires working in difficult terrain (navigating slippery pond banks and wading waist-deep water for extended periods) and will occur regardless of weather conditions (within reason). All field gear and field housing (excluding housing in Corvallis) will be provided. Responsibilities also include laboratory work in Corvallis, with tasks including weighing, measuring, identifying, drying, and processing dragonfly samples.

Employees must be able to report to work in Corvallis, Oregon for the duration of the 4.5-month employment term. Field housing during sampling trips will be provided, housing in or around Corvallis will not be provided.

The work schedule will consist of 8, 8-hour days in the field and 5 days off. Some days will require significant travel time to field sites. Intermittently, field days will be replaced with laboratory days to assist with processing samples.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audience. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.
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
75% Fieldwork
Collect dragonfly larvae with dipnets, collect water and soil samples, and record water chemistry and habitat observational data.
Fieldwork may include environmental education with children and adults.
Drive OSU motorpool vehicle to and from field sites.
Work collaboratively with team members to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.

25% Laboratory work
Weigh, measure, identify, dry, and process dragonfly samples
What We Require
Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

What You Will Need
Two years of college-level courses in Fisheries and Wildlife, Ecology, Biology, Zoology, or related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Minimum Requirements:

Strong commitment to safety and attention to detail

Ability to hike and wade in uneven terrain and work in challenging weather conditions

Ability to use a dipnet to collect aquatic macroinvertebrates for several hours a day

Ability to work collaboratively as part of an ecological research team

Ability to work independently as needed, with guidance

Ability to work in challenging weather conditions

Commitment to field and laboratory protocols to ensure data quality

Ability to safely navigate in remote areas using a GPS

Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment.

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.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have
Experience doing fieldwork in wetlands

Experience identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates

Experience doing laboratory work, chemistry preferred

Experience in environmental education and outreach

Interest in aquatic macroinvertebrates, freshwater ecology, and ecotoxicology

Ability to drive 4×4 vehicle, sometimes on poorly maintained or dirt roads

CPR/First Aid certification