Biological Sciences Research Technician 3 - Bat Field Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Department Acad Prog / Student Aff (LCB) Classification Title Bio Science Research Tech 3 Job Title Biological Sciences Research Technician 3 - Bat Field Technician Appointment Type Classified Staff Job Location Idaho Benefits Eligible Not benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Employment Category Seasonal Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time, seasonal (June through August) Biological Sciences Research Technician 3 position for the Northwest Bat Hub at Oregon State University-Cascades.

This position is located across the Pacific Northwest, but primarily in Idaho.

The purpose of this seasonal position is to assist with bat research and monitoring projects across the Pacific Northwest, but primarily in Idaho.

The BSRT3 serves as crew lead and provides technical support for field operations to meet project objectives including determining new bat detector locations within focal study areas, deciding when surveys will be conducted within field sampling periods to efficiently meet sample size goals, determining best access and navigation to survey locations, implementing quality assurance during surveys (e.g., troubleshooting bat detector operation), and provides directions to a student technician.

Duration of seasonal employment is based on project needs (e.g., for summertime bat acoustic survey monitoring, the position is expected to last approximately 2 months from the appointment begin date [from approximately mid-June to mid-August]).

Why OSU?

Why OSU-Cascades?

Founded in 2001, Oregon State University - Cascades brings higher education to Central Oregon while leveraging the excellence of a land grant and top-tier research university in one of the most dynamic cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Located near downtown Bend and surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades offers small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning in an innovative environment that accelerates opportunities for student, faculty and staff development and advancement.

With a 128-acre campus under development and a goal to grow to 3,000 to 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, OSU-Cascades is delivering on a 40-year grassroots community effort to bring the benefits of a comprehensive university to the region:

Student Body and Alumni

Student and alumni data is as of fall 2024.

• 1,370 undergraduate and graduate students
• 78% from Oregon
• 42% Central Oregonians
• 24% first generation students
• 23% students of color
• 19 students on average per class
• 95% of 2023 graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation
• 5,625 degrees awarded since founding

Academic Majors

A growing portfolio of degree programs at OSU-Cascades is designed to meet regional and state industry workforce and economic needs.

Research

Research underway at OSU-Cascades focuses on challenges in energy, the environment, human wellness, social justice and society. Labs at OSU-Cascades include the FORCE biomechanics lab, the Laboratory for the American Conversation and the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory.

Campus Development

OSU-Cascades' campus development is driven by an award-winning long range development plan and engineering efforts that are transforming brownfields into a thriving university campus. Sustainability plans include net zero energy, waste and water goals. Initial sustainability efforts are seen in geothermal sourced energy to heat and cool buildings, and native plant landscaping requiring little or no irrigation. In addition to an academic core, campus plans includes a 24-acre innovation district, mid-market affordable housing, and 10-miles of walking/biking trails.

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.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents Designation!

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

75% Research Project Operations

Assist research project leaders (i.e., Bat Hub staff) with conducting and managing field surveys for bats using remotely deployed acoustic detection equipment or other methods throughout Oregon, Washington, or Idaho following standardized protocols. The BSRT3 may adapt equipment and procedures (e.g., troubleshoot) using technical expertise, to meet specific research project needs.

• Determine bat detector locations within focal study areas using a variety of spatial tools (e.g., digital maps and apps on electronic devices or paper maps) and field reconnaissance.
• Determine access and navigation to survey locations including interacting with landowners.
• Determine when surveys will be conducted within field sampling periods to efficiently meet sample size goals.
• Establish team campsites and communicate on-site with federal and state partner hosts. Camping will be required while conducting survey work and some equipment may be provided by OSU.
• Comply with OSU safety protocols and implement safety procedures including the use of satellite communication devices.
• Navigate to remote survey locations by driving (often on unmaintained roads) and hiking through remote and rugged terrain using GPS and/or maps and compass.
• Deploy bat detectors using various materials (e.g., t-posts, PVC pipe, telescoping poles, rebar, stakes) and retrieve equipment.
• Collect data on field deployments such as spatial coordinates and habitat characteristics.
• Troubleshoot detector operation and deployment.
• Upload and manage recorded bat call files (data) on mobile PC devices and backup to external hard drives and deliver data to PI.
• Provide feedback on the status of field surveys to the Bat Hub Coordinator on a weekly basis.

10% Office Data Management

Download and manage data including conducting quality assurance & control procedures.

Complete weekly itineraries and fieldwork reports.

10% Overall Lab Project Support

As part of a team, the BSRT3 will instruct one or more undergraduate student technicians on technical research procedures.

Assign tasks to student technicians for successful survey implementation and data collection.

5% Other Duties as Assigned

What We Require

A Bachelor's degree in (specific area of biological science) and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science Research Technician 2 level. Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.

What You Will Need

A Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or Biology and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science Research Technician 2 level.

Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.

Additional Required Qualifications

At least two (2) seasons of experience working as a field technician on wildlife or other natural resources or ecological field study projects including:

Working outdoors under variable environmental and weather conditions (e.g., heat, heavy rain)

• hiking with heavy packs (45 lbs.) through rugged terrain
• navigating in the backcountry using GPS devices and/or map and compass
• operating 4WD vehicles on unmaintained roads
• collecting field data following standardized protocols and data forms and managing field data for delivery to supervisory staff
• working with field electronics - data loggers and sensor equipment

Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) Strong communication and organization skills.

Ability to work independently and as a member of a team in remote locations.

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

• Experience working as a crew leader with responsibilities in running field operations in remote settings including making daily plans, delegating tasks to crew members, and problem solving.
• 1 or more years of experience in bat echolocation detector operation and maintenance, e.g., Pettersson and Wildlife Acoustics bat detectors.
• Experience working with mobile data collection technologies, e.g., using Field Maps or Survey123 on mobile devices (e.g., phones and tablets).
• Experience building items for scientific experiments and field studies (e.g., constructing support structures with PVC and rebar).

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Applicants must be FLEXIBLE with when and where they will be working given changing field conditions and project needs.
• Field work often occurs in difficult weather conditions (e.g. hot), sometimes involving tough hikes with heavy packs containing recording equipment and deployment gear.
• Long drives will be required between field sites.
• Lodging will often be in remote backcountry campsites.

Pay Method Hourly Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Min Salary $19.36 Max Salary $28.75 Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/180262

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P05659CT Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/12/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date 08/31/2026 Posting Date 05/20/2026 Full Consideration Date Closing Date 05/29/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

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.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

For additional information please contact:

Beth Ward

Beth.ward@osucascades.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

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Transcripts
• VETERANS ONLY: Must provide proof of Veteran Status (DO NOT upload any unrelated documentation - information uploaded to this field will be removed once reviewed)