Faculty Research Assistant: Fisheries & Wildlife (Internal Employment Opportunity)

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 (). 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:

• 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:

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

40% Analyzes wildlife habitat, camera trap, and bioacoustics data

• Analyzes and interprets 15-year trends in wildlife, habitat, vegetation and fuel treatment data.
• Relate treatment-wildlife interactions to habitat and climate data.
• Summarizes data and draws conclusions using R
• Communicates findings in written and oral scientific formats

15% Contribute to lab and research group projects

• Critically reads peers papers and listens to practice presentations
• Actively participates in and occasionally leads weekly lab meetings
• Assists with field or laboratory work as needed

15% Contribute to SageSTEP science communication/Research/Scholarly Work

• Performs data organization and analysis for peer-reviewed research and science publications
• Assists with and contributes as co-author to manuscript, annual report, and research proposal writing
• Creates manager-oriented science communication and outreach products
• Contributes to social media for SageSTEP

15% Collects field data

• Uses Geographical Information Systems for navigation and data collection
• Uses Excel, Survey 1,2,3, and other software on Samsung tablets and PCs to enter and error check field data and passive monitoring data, and to manage the data from all field crew members
• Performs habitat sampling protocols
• Creates protocols for wildlife data sets
• Oversees maintenance and servicing of camera trap and bioacoustics units
• Operates 4-wheel drive vehicles on poor and sometime muddy roads
• Accurately records and enters data in the field

10% Contributes to combustion experiments

• Works independently and as part of a team in university combustion lab and takes leadership role in safety and logistics
• Obtains plant materials for combustion.
• Measures fire behavior in controlled settings.
• Records and summarizes data

5% Departmental and professional service

• Participates in departmental and professional (SRM, AFE, ESA, etc.) service activities

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

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
View email address on click.appcast.io
View phone number on click.appcast.io

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 View email address on click.appcast.io .