Vegetation and Wildlife Field Technician

Organization: Oregon State University

Location: Starkey Experimental Forest and Range, LaGrande, Oregon

Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary: $15.59/hour + shared field housing

Start Date-End Date: 5/15/2024-9/15/2024 (flexible)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Wildlife and Humans in Shared Landscapes (WHISL) project is hiring three (3) field technicians from 5/15/24 to 9/15/24 (start and end date may be flexible, possibility of extension). The WHISL project’s goals include understanding how wild and domestic herbivores, like elk and cattle, use resources across their shared environments and how these interactions are influenced by predators and drought. We are hiring technicians to assist with vegetation surveying and elk and cattle scat collection.

In the field, duties will include, but may not be limited to conducting vegetation surveys at predetermined locations using standard protocols and collecting elk and cattle scat samples. Sample preparation will include tasks like drying and weighing vegetation samples and preparing scat samples for later analysis. Technicians will also assist with entering data and reviewing data for accuracy. Field work will occur in a variety of conditions, including heat, rain, and exposure to biting insects and poison oak. Extensive hiking (up to 10 miles per day) will be required on some field days, and technicians will need to be able to carry their field gear to survey sites (up to 20 lbs). Fieldwork will occur in groups of two. Safety training will be provided. A successful crew member will work well in a team, navigate challenging terrain safely, maintain a positive attitude, and be willing to learn and adapt to new methods.

Qualifications:

• Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Interest in botany, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related field.
• Possess good common sense and problem-solving skills and be detail oriented.
• Commitment to working professionally with people from all backgrounds.
• 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 Qualifications:

• Experience conducting vegetation surveys and identifying plants, especially herbaceous vegetation in Eastern Oregon.
• Experience following scientific protocols.
• Ability to read maps and use GPS devices and compasses to safely navigate remote and/or challenging terrain.
• Experience driving 4-wheel drive pickup trucks.