This recruitment will be used to fill three part-time (a maximum of 24 hours per week) student technical assistant for the Horticulture Department at Oregon State University (OSU) during the school year, and part- to full-time employment during the summer.

This position is part of the Entomology laboratory at the USDA-ARS Horticultural Research unit in Corvallis. We are developing sustainable pest management and learning the basic biology of new pests to assist growers in Oregon. Projects include investigating the transmission of blueberry viruses by aphids, applying deterrents and releasing sterile male flies or entomopathogenic nematodes to control spotted-wing drosophila.

This position can fulfill internship credits for Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Crop and Soil Science, Biology, Ecology, and similar areas.

OSU 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:

Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Career & Self-Development

Conduct field experiments and monitoring in blueberry farms, which includes collecting live or dead insects and plant samples in the field (~45%), sorting insects and plant material in the laboratory, and frequent use of a microscope (30%). Maintain laboratory, greenhouse and field areas by cleaning, watering and weeding (20%). Enter data and safety training (5%).

Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

*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.

Have a valid driver’s license, fulfill the requirements to be an authorized driver for OSU and USDA vehicles, pass a Motor Vehicle History Check (https://policy.oregonstate.edu/policy/vehicle-use-university-business).

Ability to work outside in all weather conditions (sunshine, heat, rain, cold) for up to 7 hours. Ability to walk 2 miles in uneven terrain while carrying equipment, lift/carry 40 lbs, kneel and squat repeatedly for ground experiments or weeding. We often weed the blueberry field once a week. Ability to drive to multiple field sites 1-2 hours away from Corvallis. Ability to focus on repetitive tasks and perform accurate sorting.

Work will be done in a USDA Federal building and citizenship is required for entry. Fingerprinting and background check will be required. It takes ~2 months for clearance.

Experience working outdoors (paid or volunteer)

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1. Resume, including your major, relevant coursework, and expected graduation term. Position will get filled earlier if possible, it is better not to wait until the end date.

2. Cover Letter describing how your experience and career goals fit this role, planned vacation time and expected start and end dates

For additional information please contact: Dalila Rendon at dalila.rendon@oregonstate.edu

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.

Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.