This recruitment will be used to fill 4 full-time Temporary Bio Science Research Tech 1 positions for the Department of Forest Ecosystem and Society at Oregon State University (OSU).

These positions will assist with field data collection as part of a study on early seral forest biodiversity in the Klamath Mountains ecoregion of southwest Oregon led by the Landscape Fire and Conservation Science Research Group at Oregon State University (OSU). The study is examining responses of bird, ground beetle, bee, and plant communities to stand replacing disturbances caused by high severity wildfire, fire followed by salvage logging, and intensive management of plantation forests. The Klamath Mountains are renowned for their biological diversity and this position represents an excellent opportunity for those interested in expanding their experience in forest ecology and/or conservation biology.

Individuals hired as part of the field team will participate in all aspects of data collection, but we are seeking at least two individuals with demonstrated proficiency leading point count surveys and at least two individuals with demonstrated proficiency in plant identification. These individuals will provide mentorship to other team members in their area of specialty.

We strongly encourage applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in natural resources and other STEM fields.

Duties

Percentages of duties may vary slightly based on the specialty area of each technician, but in general, tasks for the team will include:

20% – Bird Community Sampling:

  • Use fixed radius point count techniques to estimate occupancy and abundance of breeding birds.

30% – Vegetation and Woody Debris Sampling:

  • Use transects and fixed-area plots to characterize floral resources, composition and structure of vascular plant communities, and distribution and abundance of coarse woody debris.
  • Will require visual identification of plant species and the use of dichotomous keys and field guides.

20% – Insect Community Sampling:

  • Install and collect samples from blue vane traps (bees) and pitfall traps (beetles).

10% – Install and characterize field plots:

  • By measuring slope, aspect, and other relevant characteristics.

15% – Travel to and from field sites.

5% – Mentorship of other crew members in specialty area (point counts or plant identification) and other relevant tasks as instructed by supervisor.

Apply here: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/95901