Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 1

$35,235 - $46,592/Yr

Oregon State University - Lapine, AL

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Lapine, AL

Educational Services

About the position

The Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 position at Oregon State University involves assisting in field research focused on vegetation and surface fuel responses in eastern Oregon's forests. The role supports projects aimed at understanding long-term changes in forest composition and structure following operational-scale thinning and prescribed burning. Technicians will work closely with graduate students and crew leaders to collect and manage data in a remote forest environment during the summer field season.

Responsibilities

• Navigate to and locate plots using GPS, aerial photographs, and maps (15%)
• Conduct tree inventory, plant identification, and measurements, and perform fuels measurements (65%)
• Record and manage data using paper logs and electronic data loggers (20%)

Requirements

• Two years of college-level courses in biological science or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently outdoors for long hours
• Ability to work effectively with diverse crew members and researchers
• Knowledge of forest inventory and vegetation sampling
• Ability to identify tree and understory plant species
• Orienteering skills using map, compass, GPS, and aerial photographs
• Competent in Microsoft Word and Excel

Nice-to-haves

• Prior field experience identifying tree and understory plant species of the Pacific Northwest, California, or Rocky Mountains
• Experience with dry forest ecosystems and identifying relevant understory vegetation
• Experience with vegetation/plant community and fuels transect field measurements