This is an Internal Employment Opportunity

The Department of Fisheries & Wildlife invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

The Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) will support the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP), a project that investigates the long-term ecological impacts of fuel reduction treatments in the intermountain sagebrush steppe and western juniper woodlands. To find out more about the project go to (www.sagestep.org). This position will directly support the SageSTEP wildlife team.

This FRA will work with project PIs on the analysis of large-scale datasets as part of the SageSTEP project, and contributes to proposal and manuscript writing, data analysis, science communication, and project organization. Initial analysis will be on wildlife datasets including habitat, camera trap, and bioacoustics data. Additional areas of opportunity include combustion experiments, plant community analyses, and fuels characterization using field and LiDAR techniques

This position will primarily support analysis and synthesis of existing datasets but will also include contributions to field sampling to allow the FRA to fully understand data context.

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.

FWCS is an academic unit that reports to the College of Agricultural Sciences. The Department is composed of approximately 300 staff, including academic faculty, research assistants, classified staff, graduate students, and temporary staff. Over $8 million of externally funded grants and contracts are received each year in support of science focused on basic ecological research, conservation, and sustainable use of fish and wildlife and their habitats. The Department is the largest in the College of Agricultural Sciences, with over 1000 students in 8 degree and certificate programs, including one Bachelor of Science degree, five graduate degrees, and two graduate certificates. We are a vibrant department that promotes a supportive “family” atmosphere for all students and employees.

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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.


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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.

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Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

40% Analyzes wildlife habitat, camera trap, and bioacoustics data

15% Contribute to lab and research group projects

15% Contribute to SageSTEP science communication/Research/Scholarly Work

15% Collects field data

10% Contributes to combustion experiments

5% Departmental and professional service

B.S. degree in range ecology, wildlife science, biology, or related field

Experience working on field crews and alone in remote field settings

Experience working in a laboratory setting

Commitment to working professionally and inclusively with people from all backgrounds

Experience conducting scientific research independently and as part of a team

Experience communicating scientific research in written and oral formats

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.

M.S. degree in range ecology, wildlife science, biology, or related field

Knowledge of intermountain west ecosystems and plant and wildlife communities

Experience leading teams of students or subordinates to achieve common goals or products

Experience mentoring junior scientists such as student researchers

Ability to identify songbirds in the sagebrush biome by sight and sound

Strong written and oral communication skills

Experience conducting vegetation assessments, passive sampling for wildlife presence (camera traps, acoustic monitors), and experimental plot set up and maintenance

Experience analyzing ecological data sets using R

Experience creating data visualization projects using R

Experience working with large multi-disciplinary teams of agency and academic researchers

Experience contributing to scientific publications and academic presentations

Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize success or impact underserved audiences

Most work is done in office and laboratory settings and may require long periods of sitting and/or standing.

Field work will take place throughout the Intermountain West, laboratory work will be done in Corvallis, Oregon, and lab/computer work will be done in Corvallis, Oregon. Field work involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain, wind, and extreme cold/hot weather. Fieldwork will typically involve 5-9 consecutive days of work in remote field locations, with workdays up to 12 hours/day. Work will involve camping in tents on public lands, hiking in rugged terrain, and working under extreme weather conditions. The incumbent must know and follow personal safety precautions.

The work is physically demanding and involves long hours spent standing, bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion sometimes during adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the performance of the assignment. Work could possibly be done in 10 -12 hours per day; hours can include all times of day and night and will vary during the employment term with weather and field conditions.

This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Lisa Ellsworth
lisa.ellsworth@oregonstate.edu
541-737-0008

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.