Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 (Fisheries & Wildlife)

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

USD 18.06-23.88 / hour

Posted on May 18, 2026
Position Information
Department Fisheries and Wildlife (AFW)
Classification Title Temp Bio Sci Research Tech 1
Job Title Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 (Fisheries & Wildlife)
Appointment Type Temporary Staff
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Not benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Employment Category Temporary
Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 position for the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will assist with research of Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) using non-invasive techniques for 10+ weeks (Anticipated dates: July 6, 2026 -September 18, 2026). The research will investigate population demographics across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area subpopulation of Humboldt marten using a scat detection canine. The fieldwork will take place on the Oregon Coast (80%) and the laboratory preparation work will take place in Corvallis, OR (20%).

The position will be physically demanding work in harsh conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, dense vegetation, stinging insects), potentially for long days, weekends, navigating difficult terrain (steep slopes, dune sand, bogs), and camping for long periods (4-5 days). Primary duties will be to assist in taking detailed field notes, collecting vegetation data, navigating with a GPS, working alongside a conservation canine, and processing scat samples. Additional duties may include setting/servicing remote cameras. Camping equipment will be provided. Housing is not provided in Corvallis. Camping is required when on Oregon coast.

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
Fieldwork – 80%
  • Assist in taking detailed field notes, collecting vegetation data, navigating with a GPS, work alongside a conservation canine, and scat sample processing.
  • Identify mammalian species via scats and tracks.
  • Setting/servicing remote cameras and autonomous recording units.
  • Drive OSU motorpool vehicle to and from field sites
  • Work collaboratively with team members to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.
Laboratory Preparation – 20%
  • Follow lab protocol to prepare scats for DNA extractions
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 field related to wildlife science; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Previous experience handling a conservation scat detection dog.
  • Must be willing to navigate through extremely dense vegetation and possibly encounter large carnivores (black bears, cougars).
  • Ability to navigate safely 10+ miles with compass, GPS, inReach, and/or maps.
  • Ability to identify coastal Oregon tree and shrub species by scientific name. Strong data organization skills
  • Basic data entry skills
  • Strong commitment to safety and attention to detail
  • Commitment to field and laboratory protocols to ensure data quality
  • Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment.

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
  • Prior experience camping.
  • Prior experience conducting fieldwork.
  • Prior experience managing samples and data in a remote setting.
  • Prior laboratory experience
  • Prior field work experience in harsh conditions
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
The position will be physically demanding work in harsh conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, dense vegetation, stinging insects), potentially for long days, weekends, navigating difficult terrain (steep slopes, dune sand, bogs), and camping for long periods (4-5 days). Normal work schedules, pending weather, will begin on Mondays from Corvallis, OR., driving to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for three nights, returning to Corvallis Thursday evenings. Fridays will consist of laboratory preparation work in Corvallis, OR.
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 P05651CT
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/06/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date 09/19/2026
Posting Date 05/15/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 05/26/2026
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:
Dax Morfin
dax.morfin@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.