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Biological Science Research Technician 1 (Internal Employment Opportunity)

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

USD 17.53-23.18 / hour
Posted on Sep 24, 2025
Position Information
Department Forest Eng/Resourcs/Mgmt (FOR)
Classification Title Bio Science Research Tech 1
Job Title Biological Science Research Technician 1 (Internal Employment Opportunity)
Appointment Type Classified Staff
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Part-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Employment Category Seasonal
Job Summary
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

This recruitment will be used to fill one part-time (approximately 20 hours per week) seasonal (October- September) Biological Science Research Technician 1 position for the Department of Forest Engineering, Research, and Management at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will assist with the research activities of the Vegetation Management Research Cooperative (VMRC) during the 2025-2026 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, conducting surveys of vegetation percent cover at both the species and growth habit level, identifying plant species, conducting measurements of frost tolerance, install new and maintaining current research sites, conducting tree physiology measurements in the laboratory, processing tissue samples for nutrient content, and assisting with data entry and other routine data management assignments.
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
80% – Field Work:
  • Measure seedling diameter and heights.
  • Maintain weather stations, soil moisture sensors, and data loggers.
  • Install new study sites, including pin-flagging seedling plant locations.
  • Collect soil samples.
  • Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow team members.
  • Drive vehicles to/from and between various field sites.
20% – Laboratory:
  • Process biomass samples.
  • Conduct physiological measurements, including hydraulic conductivity.
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 Forestry, Natural Resources, Botany, or related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in teams with a wide variety of individuals.
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
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 20 pounds for a moderate distance while traversing harsh, uneven terrain. The required work schedule on field days will typically start in the morning through mid-afternoon and may require long days. VMRC field sites are located in various areas throughout the PNW and overnight travel may be required.
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 $23.18
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P05418CT
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 10/06/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 09/23/2025
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 09/30/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Internal
Special Instructions to Applicants
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

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:
Emily Von Blon
vonblone@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.

Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.