Biological Science Research Technician 2

Biological Science Research Technicians are needed to conduct surveys for northern spotted owls to obtain occupancy and reproductive data as part of a short-term monitoring program.  Successful applicants will confirm owl presence and identity by auditory detections and visual observation of color bands. Maintain accurate field notes, care for field equipment and government or rental vehicles. May assist with capture and banding of spotted owls. Work with vegetation maps and aerial photographs. Describe vegetation characteristics, floristics, and physiography of owl roost and nest locations. Collect owl pellets to determine food habits.  Use personal computers, tablets, smart phones, and online media including data entry, mapping owl locations, maintaining field notes, and coordinating work with crewmates.  Participate in on-line training as required.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule: This job requires driving government owned or leased vehicles on primitive forest roads and navigating difficult terrain on foot to access owl sites and locate owls during both day and night. Employees must have good night and color vision and average or above hearing. The employee works independently and must be able to follow an established protocol in the field. The employee also must frequently work alone in remote forest areas and navigate over mountainous terrain. Orienteering skills, including the use of maps, compass, and handheld GPS units are essential to the collection of data in the field. The work is physically strenuous and involves working and hiking in rain, snow, heat, and on steep, brushy slopes. The employee should be comfortable performing these duties at night, well after dark. All the above duties must be performed with a high degree of quality, uniformity, and timeliness. The employee must work as a team member and may be required to live and work in close quarters and in isolated settings for extended periods of time.

Requirements

Applications must be submitted through the Oregon State University Jobs Portal:
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/132541
Emailed applications outside of the Jobs Portal will cannot be accepted.

Minimum Qualifications: Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science) and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. Previous field experience should include orienteering skills including the use of maps, compass, and handheld GPS units. 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.
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 previous experience working on one of the former northern spotted owl demography studies.

Preferred qualifications: Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. Record of/commitment to work with underrepresented/underserved students or other audiences. Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize student success or impact underserved audiences