This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

This recruitment will be used to fill two full-time Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 (Tree Ring Lab) positions for the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU). This is a limited duration appointment expected to last one year.

Tree Ring Lab Summary:

These positions will support the collection and processing of data and samples related to research conducted in the Tree Ring Lab. These projects investigate forest disturbance, forest successional dynamics, and climate. Much of this research is conducted via partnerships with USFS, indigenous tribes, and collaborative groups.

The research technicians will help collect and process tree ring samples including tree cores and cross sections. At each study site, the research technician will also assist with installation of a forest inventory and analysis plot. Forest inventory and analysis plots are used to record forest conditions. The technicians will also work in the tree ring lab in the College of Forestry to stabilize, surface, date tree ring samples, and identify cambial injuries. They will provide leadership for and assist with training of seasonal field crews.

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.

Lead field crew in data collection and organization, including tree cores and cross sections, from field sites. Drives vehicles to/from and between field site locations.

Provides lead work and training to seasonal field crews, and training and instruction on sample preparation in the laboratory. Answers questions and provides direction in the field. Instructs seasonal and student field crew workers on data collection and lab work, reviews and approves their data collection to ensure accuracy. Determines if protocols have been followed and provides guidance to correct any errors in protocols. Along with project leaders, helps provide instruction on tree core collection, cross section collection, the installation of forest inventory and analysis plots, preparation of tree ring samples and processing of tree core and cross section samples.

Includes the preparation of tree ring samples, labeling, gluing, surfacing, sanding, measuring, crossdating, and identification of cambial injuries. Will operate a microscope, tree ring measuring equipment, and basic computer software including Microsoft office programs and R software.

Uses software and techniques for measuring and archiving tree ring data (ACU-GAGE, WIN DENDRO, dplR, Measure J2X) and cross dating tree cores (COFECHA). Maintains databases.

Maintains communications with project staff to ensure safety in the field. Attends science team meetings and participates in planning to ensure safety in the field and lab work environments. Regularly updates project staff with work progress and communicates any needs they require to complete work. Works collaboratively with other members of the research team to contribute to a work environment that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all team members.

Completes appropriate safety and laboratory training, learns new software applications as needed to process and manage data. Seeks professional development of interest and participates in college seminars and groups of interests.

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.

Field work will be conducted at study sites in mature and old-growth forests in western Oregon. Overnight travel to field work locations will be required which will include a mix of camping outdoors and lodging in bunkhouses. The employee will need to be able to traverse forested landscapes and travel off trail on steep, uneven terrain carrying >25 pounds of equipment in all weather conditions (sun, rain, wind, and cold). When weather conditions are unsafe for field work, field work will cease and work will shift to the tree ring laboratory. The employee will need to learn and closely follow field data collection procedures, wear personal protective equipment, and maintain a safe working environment.

Shop work will be conducted in a woodworking shop on the OSU Campus. The employee will need to complete safety training and wear ear, eye, and respiratory protection when surfacing and sanding wood samples. Woodworking requires good physical fitness and following strict safety guidelines.

Lab work will be conducted in the Peavy Forest Science Complex on the OSU campus. The employee will need to operate a microscope, tree ring measuring equipment, and basic computer software including Microsoft office programs and R software.

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 29, 2025. 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).

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:
Andrew Merschel
andrew.merschel@oregonstate.edu
541-908-5192

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.

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.

Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification 1 or 2. The online application system will allow you to attach your license/certification if the PDF file is 9MB or less. If over 9MB in size, submit to contact person listed. The license and/or certification must be received by the closing date if not uploaded with your application.

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.