Project Summary: 

The Forest, Vegetation, and Fuels (FVF) monitoring program at Oregon State University is hiring summer field technicians! We are recruiting a field botanist/crew lead for summer 2025. FVF is a multi-party monitoring effort as a part of the Southern Blues Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Project. The field crew will collect data that is used to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration treatments, inform adaptive management and develop social acceptance of restoration strategies. 

All positions will be based out of Burns, Oregon. Housing accomodations will be provided however camping may be required. Crews typically work eight consectuve 10-hour days followed by 6 days off in all kinds of weather and are often required to navigate rough roads and carry equipment across uneven terrain to access sites. Field season will begin June 18th 2025 and end September 20th 2025 with some flexibility depending on crew's schedules and availability. 

Position Summaries: 

Field Botanist will lead the understory vegetation monitoring including initial plot characterization, line-point intercept transects, and vegetation height structure using established protocols. will serve as the primary liasion between the field crew and the project coordinator. The botanist will also serve as the crew lead and is responsible for quality control and assurance, crew safety, and day to day logistics. Field botanist position earns $18-20 an hour. 

All positions will gain experience working on collaborative research and have opportunties to engage with program partners including the U.S. Forest Service and Blue Mountains Forest Partners. 

Required Qualifications

Field Botanist: 

• Two years of college-level courses in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or related field 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.
• Experience in data entry, quality control, and management of digital data
• Knowledge of techniques of field botany including vegetation cover assessments using quadrats and transects with point-intercept methods.
• Experience identifying grass species.
• Experience with semi-arid forest ecosystems with a history of frequent fire, including the ability to identify relevant understory herbaceous and woody vegetation.
• Demonstrated strong teamwork and leadership skills to facilitate effective, respectful, and diplomatic interactions with others.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace environment for individuals with a range of different backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and/or life experiences

All positions require 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.

For additional information please contact:
Amanda Brackett
amanda.brackett@oregonstate.edu 

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

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.

Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.