This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Biological Science Research Technician 2 position for the Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center (HAREC) at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will be located in Hermiston, Oregon.

The incumbent is responsible for supporting the Irrigated Crop Entomology research and extension program of OSU’s Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center (HAREC). This includes developing and executing laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments with guidance from the project leader; conducting insecticide trials; monitoring and identifying insect pests in field crops; rearing and maintaining insects in the laboratory and greenhouse; organizing data and assisting with modifying research methodologies as needed. The incumbent will also assist in the preparation of reports, grants, and assisting in Extension events. The incumbent may (under the guidance of and in cooperation with a project leader) prepare and present research materials and/or findings at professional meetings or to professional journals.

This position requires driving a station vehicle and ATV to the various field sites.

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.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

25% – Establish field experiments conducted under the project leader’s supervision including, planning, mapping, planting experimental plots, and at-plant and in-season pesticide applications. General maintenance of research projects in the field include planting, pesticide applications, periodic data collection, harvesting, etc. Communication with the farm crew at the station is essential, especially regarding scheduling of irrigation and pesticide applications.

25% – Coordinate with the program team in conducting insecticide trials in the laboratory and greenhouse; and provide support to team members which typically comprises the project leader, graduate and undergraduate students, high school students, and postdocs. Drive state vehicle to field sites. Position will also be required to drive ATV vehicle.

25% – Collect, organize, and maintain a detailed record of data on spread sheets; rear and maintain insect colonies; assist in the preparation of reports and grants; ensure daily laboratory cleanliness and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment; and as needed prepare and present research findings at professional meetings and/or professional journals.

10% – Maintain and/or schedule required maintenance of all equipment associated with the entomology program (i.e., CO2 canisters and other spraying equipment, greenhouse utilities, program vehicles, etc.) to ensure good working order. Order supplies for laboratory, field and/or greenhouse research for the program and maintain a record of supplies (including purchase records) and suppliers.

10% – Assist project leader with Extension events including Field Days, Workshops, and Farm Tours.

5% – Participate in program meetings, HAREC meetings, and other staff events.

Two years of college-level courses in biology, environmental science, molecular biology, microbiology and one year of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Research Technician 1 level; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possess or ability to obtain a Public Pesticide Applicator License with ‘Insecticide/fungicide’ category within six months of hire date and maintain while in the position.

Possess or ability to obtain an ATV certification within 30 days of hire and maintain while in the position.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

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.

Prior experience working in the field and in a research laboratory.

Prior experience working at an off-campus research station.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams.

Extensive time will be spent working outside in weather conditions including hot summers and cold winters. Field work may require travel to offsite locations. Ability to walk on terrain that is uneven and irregular while carrying objects of weights in excess of 50 lbs. is common. Hazardous conditions may occur due to proximity to equipment or pesticides while performing duties. Occasional evening/weekend work may be required. Incumbent will be fitted for PPE through a respirator fitness test; appropriate PPE will be provided for applicable duties.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 30, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice 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.

Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.

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.

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

For additional information please contact:
Josephine Antwi
Josephine.antwi@Oregonstate.edu
541-567-6337

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.