This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 2 position for the Forest Ecosystem & Society at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will be located in Burns, Oregon

Project summary:

This position will support ongoing field data collection associated with research and vegetation monitoring studies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon in collaboration with the Malheur National Forest and the Southern Blues Restoration Coalition. The goal of this multi-party monitoring program is to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration treatments, inform adaptive management strategies, and develop social acceptance of restoration strategies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon. The data from this project is used to evaluate the effects of forest restoration, vegetation management, fuels treatments, prescribed burns, and wildfires on understory plant composition, surface fuels, and overstory structure and composition.

Position summary:

This position will serve as the Forest Vegetation and Fuels (FVF) crew leader, providing leadership to a field data collection effort on the Malheur National Forest in eastern Oregon. This position is responsible for preparing and leading a field crew in the completion of data collection tasks, planning and logistics, ensuring that Oregon State University (OSU) policies and procedures are followed, communicating with project sponsors, and managing data.

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 efforts. Navigate to field sites, take forest understory vegetation measurements, and record data.

30% – Lead Work:

Provide lead work to field crew, including answering questions and providing direction in the field. Ensure that crew members follow written protocols for data collection, and applicable Oregon State University (OSU) policies and procedures (driving, safety, etc.).

Compile and enter collected data into database, review for quality control.

Communicate with United States Forest Service (USFS) project sponsors in absence of supervisor/Principal Investigator (PI).

Arrange and provide daily transportation via OSU Motor Pool vehicles for crew from lodging to field sites.

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.

These positions require the ability to work long hours outdoors in in all weather conditions in a remote forested environment. The ability to traverse steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain is required.

The anticipated required work schedule will be 8 days on and 6 days off for 12-14 weeks of the summer.

Lodging in bunkhouses at the Malheur National Forest is provided. However, some overnight camping outdoors may be required on occasion, depending on the field site.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 5, 2026. 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:
Amanda Brackett
amanda.brackett@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.