Position Details
Position Information
Department Fisheries and Wildlife (AFW) Position Title Faculty Research Assistant Job Title Faculty Research Assistant: Fisheries & Wildlife (Internal Employment Opportunity) Appointment Type Academic Faculty Job Location Corvallis Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity
The Department of Fisheries & Wildlife invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.
The Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) will support the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP), a project that investigates the long-term ecological impacts of fuel reduction treatments in the intermountain sagebrush steppe and western juniper woodlands. To find out more about the project go to (www.sagestep.org). This position will directly support the SageSTEP wildlife team.
This FRA will work with project PIs on the analysis of large-scale datasets as part of the SageSTEP project, and contributes to proposal and manuscript writing, data analysis, science communication, and project organization. Initial analysis will be on wildlife datasets including habitat, camera trap, and bioacoustics data. Additional areas of opportunity include combustion experiments, plant community analyses, and fuels characterization using field and LiDAR techniques
This position will primarily support analysis and synthesis of existing datasets but will also include contributions to field sampling to allow the FRA to fully understand data context.
College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audience. 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.
FWCS is an academic unit that reports to the College of Agricultural Sciences. The Department is composed of approximately 300 staff, including academic faculty, research assistants, classified staff, graduate students, and temporary staff. Over $8 million of externally funded grants and contracts are received each year in support of science focused on basic ecological research, conservation, and sustainable use of fish and wildlife and their habitats. The Department is the largest in the College of Agricultural Sciences, with over 1000 students in 8 degree and certificate programs, including one Bachelor of Science degree, five graduate degrees, and two graduate certificates. We are a vibrant department that promotes a supportive "family" atmosphere for all students and employees.
Why OSU?
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:
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:
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.
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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
40% Analyzes wildlife habitat, camera trap, and bioacoustics data
15% Contribute to lab and research group projects
15% Contribute to SageSTEP science communication/Research/Scholarly Work
15% Collects field data
10% Contributes to combustion experiments
5% Departmental and professional service
What You Will Need
B.S. degree in range ecology, wildlife science, biology, or related field
Experience working on field crews and alone in remote field settings
Experience working in a laboratory setting
Commitment to working professionally and inclusively with people from all backgrounds
Experience conducting scientific research independently and as part of a team
Experience communicating scientific research in written and oral formats
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
M.S. degree in range ecology, wildlife science, biology, or related field
Knowledge of intermountain west ecosystems and plant and wildlife communities
Experience leading teams of students or subordinates to achieve common goals or products
Experience mentoring junior scientists such as student researchers
Ability to identify songbirds in the sagebrush biome by sight and sound
Strong written and oral communication skills
Experience conducting vegetation assessments, passive sampling for wildlife presence (camera traps, acoustic monitors), and experimental plot set up and maintenance
Experience analyzing ecological data sets using R
Experience creating data visualization projects using R
Experience working with large multi-disciplinary teams of agency and academic researchers
Experience contributing to scientific publications and academic presentations
Life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to equalize success or impact underserved audiences
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Most work is done in office and laboratory settings and may require long periods of sitting and/or standing.
Field work will take place throughout the Intermountain West, laboratory work will be done in Corvallis, Oregon, and lab/computer work will be done in Corvallis, Oregon. Field work involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain, wind, and extreme cold/hot weather. Fieldwork will typically involve 5-9 consecutive days of work in remote field locations, with workdays up to 12 hours/day. Work will involve camping in tents on public lands, hiking in rugged terrain, and working under extreme weather conditions. The incumbent must know and follow personal safety precautions.
The work is physically demanding and involves long hours spent standing, bending, walking, and a great amount of physical exertion sometimes during adverse weather conditions. The incumbent may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the performance of the assignment. Work could possibly be done in 10 -12 hours per day; hours can include all times of day and night and will vary during the employment term with weather and field conditions.
Pay Method Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $60,000-$62,000 Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/180762
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09986UF Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/06/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 06/10/2026 Full Consideration Date Closing Date 06/17/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Internal Special Instructions to Applicants
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Lisa Ellsworth
lisa.ellsworth@oregonstate.edu
541-737-0008
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
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