Job Description

Job Summary This recruitment will be used to fill three full-time Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 2 positions for the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University (OSU). This position will be located in the Sierra Nevada, California. The incumbent will support conducting broad-scale monitoring for three federally-listed amphibian species across ten national forests in the Sierra Nevada. The Yosemite toad, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, and southern mountain yellow-legged frog require range-wide population status and trend analysis for effective conservation and management. OSU will work closely with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to implement this monitoring. The incumbent will be part of a crew of eight that will conduct field work in pairs. The incumbent will be responsible for leading the successful completion of field work, overseeing field safety, and coordination of field logistics. Responsibilities Survey planning including planning driving and hiking routes and access, mitigating safety concerns, identifying camping sites, and troubleshooting; Ensuring all field supplies are prepared and available for field work, and coordinating logistics such as safety plans for each field survey; Developing and leading field work‑plans for completing field surveys; Ensuring post‑survey tasks are completed, such as uploading all data and photos, disinfection of field gear, filing of paperwork, and administrative tasks; Providing training and guidance for crew members; Tracking inventory of field supplies and equipment, as well as vehicles and needed vehicle repairs/maintenance; Assisting with various tasks needed to implement the program as needed; Assisting OSU researchers, the Amphibian Monitoring Field Coordinator, and USFS Program Leader in crew management in large and small groups; Communicating problems or concerns to OSU researchers, the Amphibian Monitoring Field Coordinator and USFS Program Leader. The incumbent will conduct field work with crew members in accomplishing surveys. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing data quality and organization for the project, and ensuring consistency and accuracy in data collection and management across the crew. The incumbent may also help summarize data for analysis and reports. Key Responsibilities 30% – Drive long distances on freeways or remote, narrow, paved and unpaved roads sometimes using 4‑wheel drive on rocky, loose, rutted, hilly terrain. Backpack, hike, and navigate on and off trail in rugged field conditions to survey aquatic habitats (lakes, meadows, streams) for amphibians. 60% – Collect ecological field data following detailed field protocols on three federally‑listed amphibian species in remote locations across ten national forests in the Sierra Nevada. 10% – Organize and provide oversight for field surveys with tasks such as trip planning, field gear organization, safety protocols, and end‑of‑field‑tour tasks such as uploading data, photos, field gear disinfection and organization, and administrative tasks. Assist in implementing summer crew field schedules and work assignments. Provide training and guidance for crew members. Work closely with co‑crew leaders on all assigned duties. What We Require Two years of college‑level courses in a specific field of biological science and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician I level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. What You Will Need Two years of college‑level courses in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, natural resources, or a similar subject; and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician I level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. 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, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, or related subject with wildlife courses that demonstrate understanding of the principles of wildlife biology and two years of relevant experience related to the position; Familiarity with, and interest in, resource management issues of western states and the ecology of the Sierra Nevada ecoregion; Previous experience in wildlife‑related fieldwork, and experience with amphibians; Previous experience with fieldwork in aquatic environments; Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; Experience collecting and maintaining field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff; Ability to drive long distances on freeways and other roads, and to operate 4WD vehicles on rocky, loose, rutted, hilly, and narrow forest roads; Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps and compass; Experience navigating and collecting spatial data with hand‑held GPS units; Ability to lead others in remote backcountry settings; Ability to live and work in rural, remote, and backcountry field and office setting, and enforce USFS and OSU housing standards; Ability to serve outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a high altitude alpine, subalpine, densely forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons. Expected to consistently backpack and hike between elevations of 4,000–12,000 ft; Ability to work in inclement conditions that could include smoke (not to exceed OSU’s maximum particulate exposure), rain, cold, or snow; Willingness and ability to camp in remote, primitive, often backcountry sites for up to 8 consecutive days without running water, showers, bathrooms, electricity, cell phone service, and other amenities; Ability to work 10‑hour days, with hours typically 08:30–19:00; Ability to work 8 consecutive days which includes weekends; and Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of OSU and the goals and objectives of the USFS. Working Conditions / Work Schedule The incumbent will typically work with a crew member but also may independently survey sites during the day. The incumbent will drive to remote areas of public land (i.e., USFS) on highways and dirt and gravel roads, and will backpack and/or hike on and off‑trail through rugged high‑elevation terrain to survey aquatic habitats. Crews will typically work 10‑hour days from 08:30‑19:00 for 8 consecutive days (with 6‑day breaks). With this schedule, crews will work every other weekend. Sampling efforts will occasionally require working non‑standard hours including early mornings and late evenings, and some holidays. Crew leaders may be expected to work some overtime hours with supervisor approval and employee interest in order to achieve project goals. Pay Method Hourly Posting Detail Information Posting Number: P05526CT Number of Vacancies: 3 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date: 06/01/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date: 09/11/2026 Posting Date: 01/21/2026 Closing Date: 03/29/2026 Anticipated Salary Range: Minimum $18.06, Maximum $26.20 Equal Opportunity & Background Check We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair‑chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. This job has “critical or security‑sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job‑related pre‑employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. #J-18808-Ljbffr Oregon State University

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