Job Description

Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Sciences Research Technician 3 position for the Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center (CBARC) at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will be located in Moro, Oregon.

The Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center (CBARC, or Center) serves the research and development needs for dryland crop production in eight counties of northeastern and north central Oregon.

CBARC is composed of the Pendleton Station and the Sherman Station, at Moro. Center scientists conduct research at each station and many off-station locations. The CBARC staff typically includes 18 permanent and up to 12 temporary employees. Research at the Sherman Station is conducted by up to 10 scientists of different disciplines from CBARC, Corvallis campus, and the USDA – ARS at Pendleton and Pullman, WA.

This position supports the research and extension missions of CBARC by conducting farm and research plot operations, as well as research and outreach activities. The incumbent provides the necessary expertise and labor to help with the initiation of field studies, to prepare and maintain fields for use in an array of specialized research projects and to gather as requested throughout the growing season. The incumbent will serve on CBARC committees (Safety, Field Day, Special Events, etc.), and assists with the purchase of equipment, vehicles, and supplies. The person in this position functions relatively independently, and carries a high level of decision-making responsibility for the Sherman Station. This position is also required to assist the Center Operations Manager with operations at the Pendleton Station, as well as attend meetings, etc. at this location.
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.

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
50% Research Project Facilitation

30% Equipment and Facilities

15% Pesticide and Fertilizer Application

5% Travel

What We Require
A Bachelor’s degree in (specific area of biological science) and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science Research Technician 2 level. Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

What You Will Need
A Bachelor’s degree in crop science, agronomy, soil science or a related field and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science Research Technician 2 level. Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree.

Experience in field crop planting/maintenance and equipment maintenance/repair.

Ability to operate farm equipment.

Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Excel.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and resolve problems without direct supervision.

Possess or ability to obtain the appropriate Oregon Pesticide Applicator’s License within six (6) months of being appointed.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

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
Welding experience.

Ability to operate and maintain research tools used in, setting up field trials, observations, collecting data, and collecting soil and tissue samples for analyses.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Position requires working outdoors throughout the year when conditions may be hot, cold, windy, dusty, or otherwise unpleasant, periodic climbing and walking over irregular surfaces or terrain, and the ability to work at odd hours, any day of the week or year, in all kinds of weather and working conditions to assure that CBARC objectives are met. Driving and travel between the Sherman and Pendleton stations is required.