Careers in the Plant Sciences

Biological Sciences Research Technician 2

Oregon State University - Cascades - Bend, OR, United States

Position Title: Biological Sciences Research Technician 2
Position Type: Permanent Position
Application Review Begins: Friday, December 29, 2023
Application Deadline: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Institution: Oregon State University - Cascades
Department/Division: Biological Sciences
Field (e.g., systematics):
City: Bend, OR, United States
General Information: Biological Sciences Research Technician 2

Oregon State University - Cascades

Department: Acad Prog / Student Aff (LCB)

Appointment Type: Classified Staff

Job Location: Bend

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range:

Job Summary:

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 position for the Human and Ecosystem Resilience and Sustainability Lab (HERS) at Oregon State University (OSU) Cascades. This is a limited duration appointment expected to last approximately 6 months from the appointment begin date.

The Oregon State University Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab is a research institution co-led by OSU Cascades and the National Park Service that delivers expertise in ecological assessment and monitoring, restoration, and native plant materials to support evidence-based conservation for the 21st century. The HERS Lab hosts the Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network of the National Park Service (UCBN), East Cascades Native Plant Hub (ECNPH), and the Northwestern Bat Hub on the OSU Cascades campus in Bend, OR. The Lab is hiring one Biological Field Research Technician 2 (BSRT2) to assist UCBN with collecting long-term monitoring data on vegetation communities in park units and the East Cascades Native Plant Hub with seed collection, propagation, and restoration planting.

Field work for this position is diverse and dynamic, well-balanced with hard work and time off, and offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in several facets of native plant work: seed collection, plant propagation, planting, and monitoring in collaboration with a variety of land management agencies. The technician hired for this position will primarily assist UCBN long-term monitoring (May-August) of camas lily, Lemhi penstemon, sagebrush steppe vegetation, pinyon pine, and limber pine. Park sites include Nez Perce National Historic Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, City of Rocks National Reserve, and Big Hole National Battlefield. The technician will also assist ECNPH with seed increase and planting (April-May) and seed collection and planting (September-October) throughout Central Oregon. This position will be based in Bend, OR, where there is excellent access to hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking/rafting opportunities. The position will require regular travel and camping, frequently on field hitch schedule (8 days on/6 days off). Technicians will be part of a crew of 2-3 UCBN staff that frequently collaborates with HERS lab staff, individual park staff, and additional partners.

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 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee 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.

Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

50% Conduct Field Surveys (UCBN):

• Assisting with vegetation monitoring protocols designed to address UCBN’s vegetation vital signs (training provided).
• Confidently and consistently identifying grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees by sight and using a dichotomous key.
• Hiking long distances (up to 12 mi), on and off trail, over very rugged terrain.
• Hiking with packs weighting 30+ pounds
• Collecting vegetation data using tablets and hand-held GPS units.
• Working independently and collaboratively with a team.

10% Data Management and Summary (UCBN):

• Compiling, entering, and reviewing field data records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Inventorying and maintaining field gear.
• Collaborating with UCBN staff to complete protocol reviews.

40% Native Plant Materials Projects (ECNPH):

• Seed collection and seed cleaning.
• Greenhouse maintenance including plant propagation, watering, and pest management.
• Field activities including planting for seed increase and restoration projects.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Work schedule will vary depending on the project. ECNPH work will follow a Monday-Friday schedule (April-May and September-October), however UCBN monitoring will primarily follow an 8 days on/6 days off schedule (typically Monday- Monday).

The technician will be working outdoors in a greenhouse and assisting with both front country and backcountry fieldwork. The position will require heavy lifting, extended periods of standing, hiking long distances off-trail on very rugged terrain, frequent travel in a government vehicle, and regular car camping.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 21, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice 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. Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.

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:
Sarah Barsch
208-310-0429

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/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.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/4894198

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Qualifications/Requirements: What You Will Need

• Experience with plant taxonomy, identifying plants by sight, and using dichotomous keys to identify unknown plants.
• Enthusiasm for learning tree pests and pathogens identification
• Interest in native plant propagation and restoration planting.
• Experience with using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation, including Survey123 and Field Maps.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database programs (Microsoft Access).
• Willingness and ability to hike off-trail on very rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
• Willingness and ability to camp and work in variable weather conditions, while always prioritizing safety.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, self-direct, and collaborate effectively.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity

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

• Background in vegetation monitoring
• Experience identifying rangeland and sagebrush steppe species (grasses, forbs, and shrubs) in addition to trees in forested habitats.
• Experience implementing forest stand exam techniques, including measurement of tree diameter, heights, and health characteristics.
• Experience in learning and applying tree pest and pathogen identification skills.
• Experience with native plant propagation and planting.
Responsibilities: The technician will be working outdoors in a greenhouse and assisting with both front country and backcountry fieldwork. The position will require heavy lifting, extended periods of standing, hiking long distances off-trail on very rugged terrain, frequent travel in a government vehicle, and regular car camping.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/4894198
Web Link: https://apptrkr.com/4894198
Compensation Range:
Contact Name: Human Resources, noemail@jobelephant.com