Job Description
Position Details
Position Information
Department Forest Eng/Resourcs/Mgmt (FOR)
Classification Title Temp Bio Sci Research Tech 1
Job Title Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1: Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative Technician
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 Sciences Research Technician 1: Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative Technician position for the Department of Forest Engineering, Research and Management at Oregon State University (OSU). The employee in this position will serve to assist in surveying a permanent plot network in order to evaluate the impact of the Swiss needle cast foliage disease on Douglas-fir dominated forest stands in coastal Oregon and Washington. The project objective is to understand the long-term impacts on growth and productivity of Douglas-fir stands and spatial patterns of disease severity within the geographic range of the pathogen. The employee will learn about forest pathology, mycology, forest health, and forestry management.
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:
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 60% Measure and record forest inventory data: - Use diameter tape to measure trees.
- Use laser hypsometer to measure tree height.
- Assess condition of tree stem and canopy.
- Use a hammer and pliers to attach and maintain tree tags.
10% Locate and navigate to study plots: - Use road maps, topographical maps, compass and Global Positioning System (GPS) to plan driving and hiking routes to study sites.
- Hike off-trail in steep, brushy terrain to permanent plot locations.
- Use a compass, laser or tape to reestablish plot corners (if necessary).
15% Record and check data quality and completeness: - Record data legibly on paper data forms or with electronic data recorders.
- Review data forms or data files for accuracy and completeness, paying careful attention to detail.
- Scan paper data forms or upload electronic data files.
15% Learn and apply complex data-collection procedures and forest inventory methods and measurements. Contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace 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 forestry, botany, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Ability to follow data-collection procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and with a supervisor in a respectful, professional manner while maintaining a positive, inclusive and safe work environment.
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 - A Bachelor's degree in Forestry or a related field.
- Experience or training in forest inventory methods and measurements.
- Experience navigating mountainous terrain using compass, map and GPS.
- Prior experience conducting field work and collecting date for ecological research.
- First-aid or wilderness first-aid training.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule - The employee is required to work in forested, mountainous terrain with steep, uneven slopes, dense understory vegetation and biting insects, in a range of weather conditions from cold and rainy to dry and hot. Exposure to poison oak is a possibility.
- Housing is not provided.
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Min Salary $17.53
Max Salary $23.18
Link to Position Description Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P05366CT
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/22/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date 11/28/2025
Posting Date 08/01/2025
Full Consideration Date 08/15/2025
Closing Date 08/22/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 15, 2025. 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.
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:
Adam Carson
[click to reveal email address]
[email protected] [click to reveal phone number]541-737-3826
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
[click to reveal email address] [email protected] .
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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Remote work, Worldwide, Flexible hours,