Field Tech - Malheur National Forest

Position Details Position Information Job Title Field Tech - Malheur National Forest Appointment Type Student Employee Job Location Burns 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 $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non-Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro) Max Hourly Rate $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non-Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro) Position Summary This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) Field Technician for the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University (OSU). This position will support field data collection associated with research and vegetation monitoring studies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon in collaboration with the Malheur National Forest and the Southern Blues Restoration Coalition. The goal of this multi-party monitoring program is to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration treatments, inform adaptive management strategies, and develop social acceptance of restoration strategies in dry forest types of eastern Oregon. The data from this project is used to evaluate the effects of forest restoration, vegetation management, fuels treatments, prescribed burns, and wildfires on understory plant composition, surface fuels, and overstory structure and composition. These positions will support ongoing field data collection associated with research and monitoring studies in dry forests types of eastern Oregon. The technicians will assist crew leaders with tree and vegetation measurements, data recording, data management, and plot location. Transferable Skill DevelopmentOSU is committed to ensuring students are prepared for success after graduation through intentional skill development as student employees. The competencies students develop while working at OSU are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below: Communication, Critical Thinking, and Teamwork.Position Duties 25% - Navigation to and location of plots using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), aerial photographs and maps. 25% - Plant identification: Visually identify trees, shrubs, and understory plants to the species level. 30% - Standard measurements of trees (e.g. diameters and heights), stands (e.g. basal area and surface fuels), plant composition (e.g. percent cover of species or lifeforms) for inventory/monitoring purposes following the established protocols for the project. 20% - Data recording and management using paper logs and electronic data loggers that are used in conjunction with the established protocols. Minimum Qualifications Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: 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 termGraduate 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 Two years of college-level courses in forestry, natural resources or closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. Must possess good interpersonal skills, be able to work independently for long hours outdoors, and as part of a team. Must possess a strong attention to detail. Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders from various backgrounds. Preferred (Special) Qualifications Experience with plant identification techniques. Experience with forest inventory and tree identification in eastern Oregon, including experience identifying tree mortality agents. Experience with the Southern Blues Forest Partnership monitoring protocols or similar monitoring protocols such as the common stand exam. Experience with semi-arid forest ecosystems with a history of frequent fire, including the ability to identify relevant understory herbaceous and woody vegetation. Experience with field work under strenuous conditions. Experience with GPS, aerial photographs, and map navigation. Working Conditions / Work Schedule These positions require the ability to work long hours outdoors in in all weather conditions in a remote forested environment. The ability to traverse steep, rugged, and/or uneven terrain is required. Employees must take care not to substantially damage or influence plants or trees while conducting work. The anticipated required work schedule will be 8 days on and 6 days off for 12-14 weeks of the summer. Lodging in bunkhouses at the Malheur National Forest is provided. However, some overnight camping outdoors will be required on occasion, depending on the field site. Posting Detail Information Posting Number P12791SE Number of Vacancies 2 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/17/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date 09/23/2026 Posting Date 01/28/2026 Full Consideration Date 02/27/2026 Closing Date 03/13/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students Special Instructions to Applicants When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: • A Resume • A Cover Letter For additional information please contact: Amanda Brackett at We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. 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 Voluntary and Compulsory Driver Standards OSU Standard 125-155-0200) as per OSU Standard 576-056-0000 et seq. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval

Created: 2026-03-04