Position Details

Department        Fisheries and Wildlife (AFW)

Position Title       Faculty Research Assistant

Job Title     Faculty Research Assistant

Appointment Type       Academic Teaching/Research Faculty

Job Location        Various Locations

Position Appointment Percent       100

Appointment Basis       12

Faculty Status     Regular

Tenure Status     Fixed-Term

Pay Method        Salary

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range   Commensurate with training, education, and experience.

Position Summary

The Department of Fisheries & Wildlife invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, Fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

Applicants are invited for a field and lab technician position in tidal wetland ecosystem ecology in the Pacific Northwest, USA at Oregon State University in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. This NOAA-funded project addresses sea-level rise and restoration impacts to blue carbon and coastal protection in PNW marshes and forested tidal swamps, and involves measurements of greenhouse gases, soil carbon stocks and accumulation rates, and ecosystem driver measurements in coastal Oregon and Washington.

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife 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. We are a vibrant department that promotes a supportive “family” atmosphere for all students and employees.

Approximately $8 million of externally funded research grants/contracts are received each year. Major cooperator and funding sources include most state and federal resources agencies. Much of the research is field-based, requiring seasonal hires and frequent personnel updates. Cooperation is formalized through the department’s participation in the Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.

The mission of the Department is to discover, integrate and disseminate knowledge about wildlife and fisheries resources, as well as ecosystems and human communities with which they interrelate. It accomplishes this through an interconnected program of 1) undergraduate and graduate education 2) scholarly research and 3) extended education.

Position Duties  

The successful applicant will lead monthly measurements of greenhouse gas fluxes from wetland sites, assist with other hydrology measurements in the field, and be responsible for collecting and processing soil cores for carbon and isotopic analysis. The position is anticipated to be approximately:

  • 60% field work and travel
  • 25% data management, analysis, and report/manuscript writing
  • 15% lab work

Field work is divided between the Coos Bay Estuary and Lower Columbia River Estuary; lab work with soil samples will be principally located in Eugene, OR in the lab of Dr. Scott Bridgham at the University of Oregon.

Minimum/Required Qualifications

  • BA or BS in ecology, soil science, or a related field plus at least 2 years field research experience in ecology.
  • Demonstrated competence in data management, good organizational skills, and experience conducting field work autonomously.
  • The applicant should be comfortable working in the field alone under occasionally strenuous conditions, and able to regularly carry up to about 30 lb of field gear.
  • 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.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications  

  • MA or MS degree
  • Experience with soil carbon research and/or tidal wetland ecology.
  • Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule    

  • Should be comfortable working in the field alone under occasionally strenuous conditions, and able to regularly carry up to about 30 lb of field gear.
  • Field work involves wet and muddy conditions and is divided between the Coos Bay Estuary and Lower Columbia River Estuary; lab work with soil samples will be principally located in Eugene, OR in the lab of Dr. Scott Bridgham at the University of Oregon.
  • Work schedule is flexible but will be determined in part by tides. Work or travel on weekends and/or evenings may be required on occasion, but not regularly.
  • This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities.  No

Posting Number  P03966UF

Number of Vacancies   1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date      11/01/2020

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date       09/29/2020

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date        10/20/2020

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search    Competitive / External – open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Apply here: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/94800

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: Christopher Janousek at janousec@oregonstate.edu

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.

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 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.