Forest Ecology Field Crew

Oregon State University is hiring a Forest Ecology Field Crew for data collection in forest dynamics research. This part-time student position requires outdoor work in Oregon's Cascade Mountains and Coast Range. Crew members will measure trees, navigate study plots, and ensure data quality. Applicants must be enrolled in an academic program. Housing is provided near the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest, and the role involves up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
Position Information

Job Title
Forest Ecology Field Crew

Appointment Type
Student Employee

Job Location
Corvallis

Position Appointment Percent
100

Appointment Basis
12

Pay Method
Hourly

Pay Period
16th - 15th of the following month

Pay Date
Last working day of the month

Remote or Hybrid option?

Min Hourly Rate
$14.70 (Standard); $13.70 (Non-Urban); $15.95 (Portland Metro)

Max Hourly Rate
$21.00 (Standard); $20.50 (Non-Urban); $21.50 (Portland Metro)

Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill four part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week during academic terms and a maximum of 40 hours per week during academic breaks) Technical Assistant for Forest Engineering, Resources and Management at Oregon State University (OSU).

The employee(s) in this position will serve as crew members to collect data for the Pacific Northwest Permanent Sample Plot Program. The project objective is to understand the long-term patterns and mechanisms of undisturbed and post-fire forest dynamics across a diversity of forest types in Oregon and Washington. Employee(s) will learn about forest succession, tree mortality, and post-fire ecology in mature and old-growth forests of the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range.
We seek individuals who are interested in ecological research, are detail-oriented, and enjoy working outdoors as part of a team.

The crews will be based at the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest near Blue River, Oregon. Apartment-style housing will be provided.
For more information: http://pnwpsp.forestry.oregonstate.edu

Position Duties
50% Measure and map trees and record forest inventory data:
• Identify tree, shrub, and herbaceous species of Pacific Northwest forests.
• Use diameter tape to measure trees.
• Use a compass and laser or tape to map tree locations.
• Assess condition of tree stem and canopy.
• Assess condition and causal agents of dead trees.
• Use a hammer and pliers to attach and maintain tree tags.

20% Locate and navigate to study plots:
• Use electronic, georeferenced maps to plan driving and hiking routes to study sites (may also need to use GPS units, road maps, topographical maps, and compass).
• Hike off-trail in steep, brushy terrain to permanent plot locations.
• Use a compass, laser or tape to reestablish plot corners (if necessary).
15% Record and check data quality and completeness:
• Record data with electronic data recorders (possibly on paper data forms).
• Review data forms or data files for accuracy and completeness, paying careful attention to detail.
• Upload electronic data files daily (or scan paper data forms).
15% Learn and apply complex data-collection procedures and forest inventory methods and measurements.

Minimum Qualifications
Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: http://fa.oregonstate.edu/stu-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements
• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
• High School student: Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home-schooling program
• Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
• Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
• Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
• Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*
• International students may be allowed to carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered “full-time” by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load is approved by the Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.

Additional Required Qualifications
• Current students majoring in forestry, botany, natural resources, environmental science or closely related field.
• Ability to follow complex data-collection procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with other crew members in a professional manner while maintaining a positive and safe work environment.
• A valid driver’s license.
• The ability to lift/carry/push/pull objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Preferred (Special) Qualifications
• Experience or training in forest inventory methods and measurements.
• Experience navigating mountainous terrain using AVENZA, Gaia, etc. and/or with GPS, compass, and map.
• Familiarity with woody plants of Western Oregon and Washington or proven ability to learn them quickly.
• Prior experience conducting field work and collecting data for ecological research.
• First-aid or wilderness first-aid training.
• Wildland Firefighting training.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule