Job Description

Job Summary
This is an Internal, limited duration Employment Opportunity.

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 position for the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU). This is a limited duration appointment expected to last approximately 1 year from the appointment begin date.

This position will support postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students with both field and lab-related tasks associated with critical zone research. The technician will be expected to complete tasks including (but not limited to) maintenance of soil moisture and gas sensors. They will be responsible for maintaining data loggers and off-grid electrical systems and troubleshooting these systems in the field. Furthermore, the technician will assist in the collection and cataloging of field samples which may include stream water, soil extraction via both soil pit establishment and auguring, soil core extraction, as well as other below- and above-ground measurements and support for greenhouse experiments. The technician will provide support with data quality assurance and will assist in data archiving and management of environmental databases. The technician will also be expected to help support lab work which includes, but is not limited to, grinding and processing soils, analyzing roots, and performing extractions with close attention to detail. Finally, the technician will help with running the METER HYPROP system, the yoder device for aggregate size distribution, and an ion chromatograph for anion analysis..
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
10%: Assisting with laboratory management and operation. Work collaboratively with lab members, co-workers, and supervisor to contribute to a safe and professional work environment.

30%: Field work: Drive to/from and between field sites. Install and maintain equipment and assist in the collection of field samples in rugged and remote terrain.

30%: Sensor and data maintenance: Trouble shoot environmental sensors, Q/A&Q/C sensor data using programming languages such as R or Python

30%: Laboratory analyses, data processing (including quality control), and reporting or summarizing results.
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 Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, or closely related field and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to complete the following tasks with little to no supervision: construction, installation, and maintenance of off-grid environmental monitoring systems, including the capacity to troubleshoot sensor and electrical problems on-the-fly in the field.
Knowledge of Campbell datalogger operation.
Familiarity with the upkeep of general laboratory supplies and equipment.
Ability to follow, develop, and improve laboratory SOPs and to quickly and accurately learn new laboratory procedures.
Ability to respond constructively to other’s ideas and suggestions and a willingness to develop creative solutions to challenges that arise.
Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, including listening and responding to questions optimally.
Understanding and dexterity to construct instrumentation consisting of very small wires and electronic devices.
Proficiency with basic computer software including the Microsoft Office suite, as well as online collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or Google Drive.
Must have the ability to pay close attention to details and keep clear and accurate records.
Ability to work effectively with minimal daily supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with various groups including students and research team members.

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 University Standard: 05-010 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 Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, or closely related field.
Experience using Campbell Scientific data loggers and familiarity with Campbell data logger code.
Familiarity in at least one programming language (such as R, Python, or MATLAB) and an ability to seek creative solutions to coding problems with little supervision.
Expertise in data analysis and statistical software such as R, Python, or MATLAB.