This recruitment will be used to fill three full time Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 positions at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Union Experiment Station (Union, Oregon) of Oregon State University.

We are seeking three (3) ecologists to support ongoing applied research on forest and rangeland ecology and management. These positions will support collaborative research with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife focused on mule deer forage availability and habitat quality in eastern Oregon. Technicians will survey plots, collect data on vegetation composition and phenology, obtain mule deer scat samples for dietary analysis, and complete data QC and entry. Approximately 70% of work is field based, with 30% in the office/lab. Housing may be provided if needed.

The Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC) is composed of two separate and fully functional research stations – Burns and Union Stations. The Union Station is Oregon State University’s first branch research station (established in 1901). Research and outreach activities are focused on rangeland ecology and management, wildlife management, ecological restoration, alternative livestock systems, and sustainable resource management in the diverse landscapes of eastern Oregon. EOARC faculty and staff collaborate on research and outreach efforts with a wide range of partners including agencies, tribes and non-governmental organizations.

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.

70% Field data collection

10% Data entry and processing

10% Processing samples in lab

10% Assigned duties as required

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.

Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, plant ecology, natural resources, rangeland ecology, wildlife or related discipline.

Experience measuring and collecting natural resource and/or ecological data (e.g. soil, slope, aspect, richness, diversity, composition, density, etc.) in field settings (forest, grassland, shrubland, wetlands, etc.).

Experience using GPS units to navigate to locations and record spatial data in the field.

Experience and/or training in use of dichotomous keys, plant identification and plant/vegetation measurements.

Working knowledge of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Docs.

Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Ability to kneel/squat for extended periods of time for data and sample collection.

Ability and willingness to work in difficult terrain in adverse weather conditions (heat, snow, rain, etc.)

Employee in this position may be required lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

During field data collection, alternative work schedules will be required (e.g. 8 10-hour days with 6 days off in between).

During the field season, camping in rural/remote locations (during the work week) will be required.

Fieldwork occurs in the interior Pacific Northwest; terrain is mountainous and varies flat to steep and irregular.

Must work during inclement weather conditions.

Approximately 70% of the work in this position is performed outdoors; the remaining 30% is in the office/lab

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 19, 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.

Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.

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:
Bryan Endress
Bryan.endress@oregonstate.edu
858-527-9898

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.