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Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

USD 18.06-23.88 / hour
Posted on Mar 25, 2026
Position Information
Department Institute Natrl Res Dir (RNR)
Classification Title Temp Bio Sci Research Tech 1
Job Title Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1
Appointment Type Temporary Staff
Job Location California
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 Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University (OSU). This position will be located in Yreka, California.

The incumbent will be responsible for non-invasively monitoring fishers and other mesocarnivores in the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion of northern California and southern Oregon. Monitoring activities will minimally include deploying baited, hair-sampling and track plate stations and infrared remote cameras. These positions will begin approximately 3 August 2026 and end approximately 18 December 2026. Housing in Yreka, CA and vehicles for field work, essential travel, and essential errands will be provided.
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
80% - Drive and hike independently through rugged, remote terrain. Set up, maintain, and take down baited hair sampling and track plate stations and remote cameras used to survey for mesocarnivores. Use non-invasive hair snares to collect mammal hair samples for genetic analysis. Use sooted track plates to collect track impressions from species visiting sampling stations. Check and maintain remote camera survey stations. Enter field data using ESRI Field Maps. Communicate regularly with supervisor about site visits and survey logistics.
10% – Process genetic samples for submission to a laboratory for analysis. Identify mammals from tracks on track plates and remote camera photographs. Maintain and repair survey gear such as remote cameras and track-plate stations.
10% – Enter and proof survey data into ArcGIS Online, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or Google Docs.
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 (related field of biological science); OR
  • an equivalent combination of training and experience.

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
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field relating to biology, ecology, environmental sciences, natural resources, or a similar subject;
  • A demonstrated enthusiasm to learn any of the following skills or techniques is also a Preferred qualification
  • Knowledge of wildlife ecology and basic survey and monitoring methods for wildlife and vegetation communities;
  • Knowledge of fisher ecology and conservation;
  • Experience collecting data from non-invasive hair-sampling stations, track plates, and/or infrared remote cameras in field-based settings;
  • Experience with driving 4WD vehicles on dirt and gravel roads and hiking on and off-trail through rugged terrain in remote locations to set and maintain sampling stations;
  • Experience working in remote areas without cell service, experience working independently, experience communicating via radios and satellite communication devices, and excellent interpersonal communication skills;
  • Experience working in inclement conditions including, but not limited to: smoky conditions (not to exceed OSU’s maximum particulate exposure), rainy, cold, or snowy conditions, and nocturnal hours;
  • Experience working and/or living with people or groups from differing backgrounds
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive research environment
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The crew members will work independently, driving to remote areas of public (i.e., USDA Forest Service) and private property (i.e., privately-owned timberlands) on dirt and gravel roads and will hike on and off-trail through rugged terrain to set and maintain sampling stations. Sampling efforts and will occasionally require working non-standard hours, including early mornings and late evenings.
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 P05598CT
Number of Vacancies 2
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 08/03/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date 12/18/2026
Posting Date 03/24/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 04/07/2026
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:
Marie Martin
marie.martin@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