Oregon State University

 

Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 1

 

Location: This position will be working in Baker City, Juntura, and Jordan Valley, Oregon 
Salary: $15.59 – $20.62
Job Status: Full-Time – Temporary 

Anticipated Season: 03/01/23 – 08/31/23
Closing Date: January 31, 2024

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Position Description 

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Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill five full-time Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 positions for the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will be working in Baker City, Juntura, and Jordan Valley, Oregon 

The purpose of this position is to collect field data that will support graduate student research in the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences in conjunction with long term research goals from Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

The greater sage-grouse is a species of management and conservation concern in Oregon and faces numerous threats including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive annual grasses, an increase in high-severity wildfires, and increasing avian predator densities.

The Dinkins Lab at Oregon State University aims to understand these mechanisms behind sage-grouse population declines and study the effects of both lethal and non-lethal management of ravens on the reproductive success of an isolated and sharply declining population of sage-grouse.
The incumbent will work independently as part of a field crew led by a graduate student and faculty research assistant and travel, hike, and camp to meet the goals for this work.
 
 
Key Responsibilities
100% Field Research
  • Follow detailed protocols and collect survey data on smart phones in the ArcGIS Survey123 mobile app
  • Safely operate 4×4 trucks and ATVs/UTVs to reach survey sites
  • Navigate off-trail in backcountry areas using GPS, compass, and topographic maps
  • Conduct point count surveys for raptors, corvids, and sagebrush obligate songbirds
  • Search for and monitor common raven nests
  • Survey for roadkill along paved and dirt roads within sage-grouse habitat
  • Transport roadkill to landfill to reduce food subsidy for ravens within sage-grouse habitat
  • Use radio telemetry to track collared greater sage-grouse hens to monitor their nests and broods
  • Conduct vegetation surveys at sage-grouse use sites
  • Assist with the capture and handling of greater sage-grouse and ravens to attach transmitters

 

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

Must be highly organized, possess a strong work ethic, and be capable of working both independently and as part of a team.
 
Ability to safely navigate in backcountry areas using topographic maps, compass, and GPS

Capable of hiking off trail in steep, rugged terrain carrying up to 25lbs of equipment
 
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

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
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Rangeland Ecology, or equivalent.
  • Ability to identify western birds by sight and sound.
  • Experience with bird capture and handling.
  • Experience using radio telemetry to track wildlife.
  • Experience working in the sagebrush steppe.
  • Experience driving 4WD vehicles and ATVs/UTVs.
  • Experience towing trailers/campers.
  • CPR/First Aid Certified.
  • Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

 

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Field work is dictated by weather and study species, so work schedule will be variable, including early mornings or nights under adverse field conditions (wind, rain, snow, mud). Night work will be required when assisting with sage-grouse or raven capture. Temperatures in the high desert can range from below freezing at the beginning of the season to 100+ degrees F by summer.

Incumbents will be working alone or in small groups in remote areas of eastern Oregon. The ability to drive several hours to and from study areas each day and hike 3-10 miles per day over rugged, rocky terrain while carrying a backpack of equipment weighing up to 25 pounds is required. Some camping may be required to complete data collection in remote areas.