Position Summary:
The incumbent(s) will be a member of a crew collecting vertebrate and vegetation data to evaluate the impact of the invasive forest pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, the cause of Sudden Oak Death, on the mixed-conifer forest ecosystems of southwestern Oregon. Incumbent(s) may deploy autonomous recording units (ARUs), deploy camera traps (baited and unbaited), conduct terrestrial amphibian surveys, and conduct berry and acorn surveys at long term monitoring plots. Incumbent(s) will also gain experience with carnivore scat collection, sample processing, data entry, data management, and data processing.

Incumbent(s) will be stationed in Brookings, Oregon and conduct field work and data collection in the surrounding area independently or in small teams (2-3 people) under the direction of an FRA (crew leader) or postdoc. Shared housing is provided as a condition of employment (no pets allowed).

College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.

Position Duties:

• 75% Field work. Deployment, maintenance, and retrieval of equipment in the permanent plot network, amphibian surveys, and sample collection (carnivore scat, acorns, berries). Includes hiking off road and off trails in steep, rough, uneven, unstable terrain to plots, navigating using a GPS unit (or map and compass), use of Survey123 and FieldMaps.
• 10% Data management, data entry, and data quality assessment and quality control
• 10% Data processing (using AI to identify species and validating AI tags)
• 5% Sample processing (lab work)

Minimum Qualifications: Two years of college-level courses in (specific field of biological science); OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Additional Required Qualifications:

• 2 years of college-level courses in biology, wildlife, or related field, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience collecting field data at remote study sites
• Experience navigating in forest ecosystems and mountainous terrain using a GPS and compass
• Ability to hike > 5 miles per workday on steep terrain carrying a 50 lb backpack
• Ability to follow established protocols and make independent decisions regarding protocols and procedures in the field
• Ability to learn and identify southwestern Oregon vertebrate species
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently
• Commitment to safety, quality of work, and professionalism

This position requires driving a university vehicle; 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. 

Preferred (Special) Qualifications:

• College degree in biology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related field, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Safe driving record while operating 4WD vehicles in rugged and remote conditions including on dirt and gravel roads
• Proficiency with identification of flora and fauna, especially amphibians, of the southwestern Oregon coast range.
• Proficiency with identification of birds of the southwestern Oregon coast range by sound
• Proficiency working with computers and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency collecting field data using ArcGIS Online, Collector, Survey123, and/or FieldMaps
• CPR/First Aid/Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder certifications 

Working Conditions / Work Schedule: This work is outdoors at remote field sites located in rugged, brushy terrain.

To be successful in this role, the incumbent(s) will hike up to 10 miles per day and traverse uneven/rugged terrain. Incumbent(s) may be required to drive long distances. Work conditions include inclement weather and exposure to poison oak in black bear country. The incumbent(s) will be expected to work a flexible schedule that consists of day work only and sometimes > 10 hours per day. The incumbent(s) will be stationed in Brookings, OR, but may be required to travel overnight and stay in hotels or camp.