Faculty Research Assistant: Environmental Instrumentation Specialist

Oregon State University is seeking a full-time Faculty Research Assistant: Environmental Instrumentation Specialist to design and manage an environmental instrument network for the Elliott State Research Forest. The role involves overseeing instrument planning, installation, maintenance, and quality control, supporting long-term research initiatives. This is a fixed-term position with funding through 2028, and it offers a remote or hybrid working option.
Faculty Research Assistant: Environmental Instrumentation Specialist

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 13, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A Curriculum Vitae; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Katy Kavanagh
katy.kavanagh@oregonstate.edu

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

Position Information

Department

Forest Ecosyst & Society (FOR)

Position Title

Faculty Research Assistant

Job Title

Faculty Research Assistant: Environmental Instrumentation Specialist

Appointment Type

Academic Faculty

Job Location

Corvallis

Benefits Eligible

Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Yes

Job Summary

The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant: Environmental Instrumentation Specialist position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

Funding for this position lasts through 2028, and has the possibility of being renewed.

This position plays a critical role in designing, implementing and managing an integrated environmental instrument network for the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF) in the Southern Oregon Coast Range. This position plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the digital infrastructure that will support long-term research initiatives and environmental monitoring across this 82,000-acre living laboratory.

This position involves overseeing the planning, testing, installation, maintenance, and quality control of instruments and communication network. The incumbent collaborates with various groups, including researchers, agencies, and tribal communities in determining instrumentation and placement, while working closely with the Data System Specialist to ensure seamless integration of data and instrumentation. The position applies expertise in field-deployed sensors, wireless communications, and data management to help the ESRF establish a baseline for future research programs and infrastructure, analyze research data, and communicate scientific findings.

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

65% – Procurement of Research Equipment and Remote Data Installation
• Evaluate, test, purchase and install necessary equipment, including sensors, data loggers, power supplies and wireless communication systems
• Coordinate with research faculty, vendors and field crews to ensure suitability, timely and accurate installation
• Implement and maintain calibration procedures for all instruments to ensure raw data quality control
• Develop and maintain equipment inventory and maintenance schedules
• Create and maintain documentation for all installed systems
• Lead installation of new infrastructure and equipment for the forest-wide network
• Monitor and Troubleshoot telemetry data transmission and telemetry issues
• Coordinate with field personnel on equipment maintenance

10% – Analysis, Reporting, and Scientific Communication
• Collaborate on development and implementation of screening protocols for data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC).
• Analyze and interpret ESRF data, drawing conclusions regarding research from results.
• Communicate research results and findings through co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and scientific presentations.

10% Collaboration
• Collaborate with tribes, OSU faculty and staff, Department of State Lands ESRF staff, and others on equipment type and placement and data access.
• Work closely with the Data System Specialist on data and instrumentation integration.

15% Supervision and Leadership
• Provide supervision and direction for technical staff and student employees
• Plan, assign, and review work; establish goals and assess performance
• Conduct recruitment, training, and performance evaluations
• Ensure safety protocols are followed and proper training is provided
• Manage schedules and coordinate field operations
• Oversee equipment training and safety procedures

What You Will Need
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, environmental science, forestry, hydrology, geospatial science, or related field
• Demonstrated experience with field sampling equipment, data loggers, and wireless communication systems
• Experience programming and maintaining field-based sensor networks and radio telemetry systems
• Demonstrated ability to implement data quality assurance protocols
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to evolving technology
• Proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Potential to contribute to publications and technical reports

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
• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, environmental science, forestry, hydrology, geospatial science, or related field
• Project management experience, including timeline and budget management
• Experience with environmental data collection and archiving
• Demonstrated success in equipment procurement and testing
• Experience with research budget management and reporting
• Background in forestry or ecological research
• Experience supervising technical staff and students
• Record of research publication

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Some field work is required, along with travel to the ESRF site. Ability to drive on forest roads, to traverse difficult (rough/uneven) terrain to field sites to conduct field work in inclement weather is required. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Pay Method

Salary

Pay Period

1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date

Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range

Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/165171

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

P08875UF

Number of Vacancies

1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date

05/01/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date

02/27/2025

Full Consideration Date

03/13/2025

Closing Date

03/27/2025

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search

Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 13, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A Curriculum Vitae; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Katy Kavanagh
katy.kavanagh@oregonstate.edu

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.

Supplemental Questions