Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 2: Vegetation Monitoring Technician
Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 2: Vegetation Monitoring Technician
This posting has been re-opened in order to expand the original applicant pool. Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position. Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week). Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties. Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range. For additional information please contact: Matt Shinderman matt.shinderman@osucascades.edu 541-480-8145 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. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. 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. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Position Details
Department - Acad Prog / Student Aff (LCB)
Classification Title - Temp Bio Science Research Tech 2
Job Title - Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 2: Vegetation Monitoring Technician
Appointment Type - Temporary Staff
Job Location - Bend
Benefits Eligible - Not benefits eligible
Employment Category - Temporary
Job Summary - This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time, Temporary Biological Sciences Research Technician 2: Vegetation Monitoring Technician position, for the Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability Lab at Oregon State University-Cascades. This position is located in Bend, Oregon. The Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network (UCBN) monitors ecological vital signs in nine National Park Service units between the Rocky Mountains and Cascade Mountains. UCBN is based in Bend, Oregon, at the Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab, a research program at Oregon State University – Cascades that provides expertise in ecological monitoring, restoration, and native plant materials to support evidence-based conservation. OSU is hiring one BRST-2 to assist the UCBN with long-term monitoring projects, including sagebrush steppe, aspen, limber pine, and pinyon pine. Technicians will also participate in wildfire fuels reduction monitoring, native seed collection and processing, and restoration planting within park units. Although this position will be part of a field team, it is expected that candidates will demonstrate ability to operate independently and with high attention to detail in a field setting. The duty station for this position is Bend, Oregon. Fieldwork will follow a hitch schedule of 8-days-on, 6-days-off with 10-hour days, tentatively from May 26, 2026, through September 28, 2026. Camping and travel will be required during fieldwork.
Key Responsibilities
- 95% Field Surveys
- Assist with and implement vegetation monitoring protocols
- Exhibit a high level of proficiency with identification of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees using field guides and dichotomous keys
- Measure tree height, DBH, and identify pests and pathogens
- Hike up to 12 miles per day on and off trail in rugged terrain
- Carry packs weighing 30+ pounds
- Collect vegetation data using tablets and handheld GPS units
- Work both independently and as part of a team
- 3% Native Plant Materials Projects
- Collect and clean native seed
- Assist with greenhouse propagation, watering, and maintenance
- Participate in restoration planting and seed increase projects
- 2% Data Management and Support
- Compile, enter, and review field data for accuracy
- Inventory and maintain field equipment
- Assist with protocol review and program support
What We Require
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.
What You Will Need
Two years of college-level courses in botany, natural resource management, ecology, or environmental 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. 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
Experience with field data collection, preferably in vegetation monitoring, ecology, or related disciplines Ability to regularly travel and camp for up to 8 days at a time Ability to hike off-trail in rugged terrain with a heavy pack under variable weather conditions, while prioritizing safety Ability to work independently, self-direct, and collaborate effectively Experience using GPS units or navigation applications in field settings Valid state-issued driver's license Experience with plant taxonomy, including identifying plants by sight and using dichotomous keys Experience conducting forest stand exams, including measuring tree diameter and height, and identifying pests and pathogens First Aid/CPR certification
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Work schedule will primarily follow an 8 days on/6 days off schedule (typically Tuesday- Tuesday) with 10 hr work days. The technician will be working outdoors in rugged and remote front country and backcountry fieldwork settings. The position will require heavy lifting and carrying packs weighing 30 lbs or more, extended periods of standing, hiking long distances (up to 12 miles) off-trail on very rugged terrain, frequent travel in a government vehicle, and regular car camping.
Pay Method - Hourly
Pay Period - 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date - Last working day of the month
Min Salary - $18.06
Max Salary - $26.20
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number - P05630CT
Number of Vacancies - 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date - 05/08/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date - 11/01/2026
Posting Date - 04/23/2026
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date - 05/08/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search - Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants - This posting has been re-opened in order to expand the original applicant pool. Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position. Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week). Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9