Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1: Forest Vegetation and Fuels
Position Details
Position Information
Department
Forest Ecosyst & Society (FOR)
Classification Title
Temp Bio Sci Research Tech 1
Job Title
Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1: Forest Vegetation and Fuels
Appointment Type
Temporary Staff
Job Location
Burns
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: Forest Vegetation and Fuels position for the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU). This position will be located in Burns, Oregon.
Project summary:
This position will support ongoing field data collection associated with research and vegetation monitoring studies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon in collaboration with the Malheur National Forest and the Southern Blues Restoration Coalition. The goal of this multi-party monitoring program is to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration treatments, inform adaptive management strategies, and develop social acceptance of restoration strategies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon. The data from this project is used to evaluate the effects of forest restoration, vegetation management, fuels treatments, prescribed burns, and wildfires on understory plant composition, surface fuels, and overstory structure and composition.
Position summary:
This position will support ongoing field data collection associated with research and monitoring studies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon. The technicians will assist graduate students and/or crew leaders with tree and vegetation measurements, data recording, data management, and plot location.
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: [click to reveal website link]
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
25% - Navigation to and location of plots using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), aerial photographs and maps.
25% - Plant identification: Visually identify trees, shrubs, and understory plants to the species level.
30% - Standard measurements of trees (e.g. diameters and heights), stands (e.g. basal area and surface fuels), plant composition (e.g. percent cover of species or lifeforms) for inventory/monitoring purposes following the established protocols for the project.
20% - Data recording and management using paper logs and electronic data loggers that are used in conjunction with the established protocols.
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, natural resources or closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Must possess good interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently for long hours outdoors, and as part of a team.
- Must possess a strong attention to detail.
- Experience with GPS, aerial photographs, and map navigation.
- Experience collecting scientific data in the field.
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from various backgrounds.
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
- Master's or bachelor's degree in related field.
- Experience with forest inventory and tree identification in eastern Oregon
- Experience with field work under strenuous conditions.
- Knowledge of and experience with flora of eastern Oregon.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
- This position requires the ability to work long hours outdoors in all weather conditions in a remote forested environment. The ability to traverse steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain is required.
- The anticipated required work schedule will be 8 days on and 6 days off for 12-14 weeks of the summer.
- Lodging in bunkhouses at the Malheur National Forest is provided. However, some overnight camping outdoors may be required on occasion, depending on the field site.
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
[click to reveal website link]
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P05643CT
Number of Vacancies
1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
06/01/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
10/01/2026
Posting Date
05/04/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date
05/11/2026
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:
Amanda Brackett
[click to reveal email address]
[click to reveal phone number]
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.
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.
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].