PSP Summer Crew
Oregon State University
Oregon, USA · Corvallis, OR, USA
USD 15.05-21.5 / hour
Posted on Jan 21, 2026
Position Information
| Job Title | PSP Summer Crew |
|---|---|
| Appointment Type | Student Employee |
| Job Location | Corvallis |
| Position Appointment Percent | 100 |
| Appointment Basis | 12 |
| Pay Method | Hourly |
| Pay Period | 16th - 15th of the following month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Min Hourly Rate | $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro) |
| Max Hourly Rate | $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro) |
| Position Summary | This recruitment will be used to fill four (4) full-time Student Hourly positions for the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management at Oregon State University (OSU). The employee(s) in this position will serve as crew members to collect data for the Pacific Northwest Permanent Sample Plot Program. The project objective is to understand the long-term patterns and mechanisms of undisturbed and post-fire forest dynamics across a diversity of forest types in Oregon and Washington. Employee(s) will learn about forest succession, tree mortality, and post-fire ecology in mature and old-growth forests of the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range. We seek individuals who are interested in ecological research, are detail-oriented, and enjoy working outdoors as part of a team. The crews will be based at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River, Oregon. Apartment-style housing will be provided. For more information: http://pnwpsp.forestry.oregonstate.edu |
| Transferable Skill Development | OSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below: Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Career & Self-Development |
| Position Duties | 50% Measure and map trees and record forest inventory data: • Identify tree, shrub, and herbaceous species of Pacific Northwest forests. • Use diameter tape to measure trees. • Use a compass and laser or tape to map tree locations. • Assess condition of tree stem and canopy. • Assess condition and causal agents of dead trees. • Use a hammer and pliers to attach and maintain tree tags. 20% Locate and navigate to study plots: • Use electronic, georeferenced maps to plan driving and hiking routes to study sites (may also need to use GPS units, road maps, topographical maps, and compass). • Hike off-trail in steep, brushy terrain to permanent plot locations. • Use a compass, laser or tape to reestablish plot corners (if necessary). 15% Record and check data quality and completeness: • Record data with electronic data recorders (possibly on paper data forms). • Review data forms or data files for accuracy and completeness, paying careful attention to detail. • Upload electronic data files daily (or scan paper data forms). |
| Minimum Qualifications | Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements
*International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center. |
| Additional Required Qualifications | Current students majoring in forestry, botany, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field. Ability to follow complex data-collection procedures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment. A valid driver’s license. The ability to lift/carry/push/pull objects weighing up to 40 pounds. 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 Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq. |
| Preferred (Special) Qualifications | Experience or training in forest inventory methods and measurements. Experience navigating mountainous terrain using AVENZA, Gaia, etc. and/or with GPS, compass, and map. Familiarity with woody plants of Western Oregon and Washington or proven ability to learn them quickly. Prior experience conducting field work and collecting data for ecological research. First-aid or wilderness first-aid training. Wildland Firefighting training. A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. |
| Working Conditions / Work Schedule |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P12759SE |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 4 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 06/15/2026 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | 09/18/2026 |
| Posting Date | 01/16/2026 |
| Full Consideration Date | |
| Closing Date | 02/25/2026 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students |
| Special Instructions to Applicants | When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: ● A Cover Letter ● A Transcripts ● List of References For additional information please contact: Andrew Bluhm at andrew.bluhm@oregonstate.edu We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. 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 Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval |

