Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 2
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR, USA
USD 17.53-25.44 / hour
Posted on Sep 20, 2025
Position Information
| Department | Institute Natrl Res Dir (RNR) |
|---|---|
| Classification Title | Temp Bio Science Research Tech 2 |
| Job Title | Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 2 |
| Appointment Type | Temporary Staff |
| Job Location | Montana |
| Benefits Eligible | Not benefits eligible |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Employment Category | Temporary |
| Job Summary | This recruitment will be used to fill two full-time Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 2 positions for the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University (OSU). This position will be located primarily in Montana and Idaho. We are hiring field technician positions to conduct non-invasive carnivore surveys for the U.S. Forest Service Multiscale Mesocarnivore Monitoring Program. This monitoring effort is a part of an ongoing large-scale survey project focused on detection and broad-scale monitoring of fisher (Pekania pennanti), marten (Martes americana, Martes caurina spp.), wolverine (Gulo gulo), lynx (Lynx canadensis), montane red fox (Vulpes vulpes spp.), and other associated carnivore species across National Forest lands in the western United States. Job Duties: The field technicians will be responsible for installing and servicing remote sensor cameras and automated lure dispensers in National Forests in western states primarily Montana and Idaho. Technicians will work in conjunction with staff from the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station and other local Forest Service units. However, the employer for these positions is Oregon State University. Field work involves installing, checking, and retrieving elevated monitoring stations in a wide range of habitat types and elevations (~2000-10000 ft). Daily tasks will often require hiking off-trail in remote areas and through difficult terrain, carrying field gear, and deploying cameras and lure dispensers at 10-12 feet above the forest floor. Crew members may be required to work either independently or in pairs. Occasional car camping may be required. Data management tasks include data entry, data proofing, and summarizing field data, as well as inventorying and archiving field data, and processing trail camera photos (downloading, sorting, and identifying species in trail camera photos). Location: Potential work locations for these positions include National Forests in Montana and Idaho, such as the Nez Perce-Clearwater, Helena-Lewis and Clark, Lolo and Custer-Gallatin NFs. Housing will be provided for the duration of the position, and work vehicles will be provided. The field season is expected to run from early October to mid-November, weather permitting. |
| 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% – Hike and navigate off trail in rugged field conditions to install and check monitoring stations including elevated remote cameras and lure dispensers. Will be necessary to drive long distances on remote, narrow, paved, and unpaved roads using 4-wheel drive on rocky, loose, rutted, hilly terrain to complete this work. Occasionally snow mobiles may be used for surveys only if required training is completed. 15% Download, sort, and identify species in trail camera photos and identify species based on tracks collected on track plates. Inventory and archive all field data. Conduct field data entry, proofing and summarization using tablets and laptop computers. 10% Assist in planning weekly survey schedules and field logistics in conjunction with USFS staff. |
| 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 |
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 |
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| Working Conditions / Work Schedule | Technicians will work both independently and in pairs, driving to remote areas of public land (i.e., USFS) on dirt and gravel roads and will hike on and off-trail through rugged terrain to set and maintain sampling stations. Sampling efforts will occasionally require working non-standard hours, including early mornings and late evenings. Technicians may be expected to work some overtime hours with supervisor approval and employee interest in order to achieve project goals. |
| Pay Method | Hourly |
| Pay Period | 16th - 15th of the following month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Min Salary | $17.53 |
| Max Salary | $25.44 |
| Link to Position Description |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P05415CT |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 2 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 10/06/2025 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | 11/15/2025 |
| Posting Date | 09/19/2025 |
| Full Consideration Date | |
| Closing Date | 09/25/2025 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants |
| Special Instructions 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). PLEASE NOTE: 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: Sean.Matthews@oregonstate.edu We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. 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 OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu. |