Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1: Sage-Grouse Data Collection
Oregon State University
Posted on Mar 17, 2026
Position Information
| Department | Fisheries and Wildlife (AFW) |
|---|---|
| Classification Title | Temp Bio Sci Research Tech 1 |
| Job Title | Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1: Sage-Grouse Data Collection |
| Appointment Type | Temporary Staff |
| Job Location | Oregon |
| Benefits Eligible | Not benefits eligible |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Employment Category | Temporary |
| Job Summary | This recruitment will be used to fill two full-time Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 positions for the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University (OSU). Through the Fish, Wildlife and Conservation sciences department at Oregon State University, this position will provide technicians to aid in research. The primary work focus will be collecting Greater Sage-grouse demographic data. Technicians will be aide in sage-grouse capturing, VHF/UHF telemetry, nest and brood monitoring, transmitter recovery, vegetation sampling, and raptor-raven point counts. This position is located in two communities of eastern Oregon, Burns and Baker City. Work from 1 April through ~ 1 July will be focused outside of Burns ~1 hr. east with limited cell service (satellite communicators provided), the field sites will transition to Baker City area from ~1 July to 16 Aug. College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audience. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document. |
| 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 | 30% Travel between field sites and housing 30% Recapture (from Burns area) and translocate grouse to Baker County area 15% Sage-grouse capturing 15% Nest and brood monitoring 5% VHF/UHF telemetry 5% Transmitter recovery Work collaboratively with team members to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. |
| 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 wildlife, range ecology, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. Ability to work in a crew as a communicative, productive member, as well as to work alone/independently in a remote setting. Ability to navigate using GPS, map, and compass. Ability to drive and safely navigate 4WD trucks on rugged, backcountry roads. Ability to change a flat tire on large 4WD vehicle. Commitment to working professionally and inclusively with people from all backgrounds. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. 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 | Demonstrated previous ATV experience. Demonstrated previous field research experience. Experience working with radio telemetry tracking. Experience in gamebird research (e.g., trapping, nest checks, brood surveys, mortality recovery, etc.). Experience with botany and familiarity with the sagebrush steppe plant community. Experience in living and working alone in remote, backcountry conditions. Experience with spotlighting techniques for capturing animals. Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences. |
| Working Conditions / Work Schedule | Remote field housing is provided. Occasional camping during the work week in a remote field setting is required (maximum of 4 days). Working hours are variable (some nights/weekends) but average 40 hours per week. Night and early morning work is typical throughout the brood-rearing period and during the peak of the summer to avoid heat. Strenuous hiking (up to ~5 miles per day) in inclement conditions (rain, snow, mud, 0-95 degrees F) can be expected. Technicians must be capable of hiking with 85 L packs containing sampling/monitoring equipment in rugged terrain. |
| Pay Method | Hourly |
| Pay Period | 16th - 15th of the following month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Min Salary | $18.06 |
| Max Salary | $23.88 |
| Link to Position Description |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P05586CT |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 2 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 04/01/2026 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | 08/14/2026 |
| Posting Date | 03/13/2026 |
| Full Consideration Date | |
| Closing Date | 03/20/2026 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants |
| Special Instructions 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: Christian Hagen Christian.hagen@oregonstate.edu 541-410-0238 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. 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. |

