NWREC Berry Crop Student Assistant

Position Details

Job Title
: NWREC Berry Crop Student Assistant

Appointment Type
:
Student Employee

Job Location
:
Aurora, OR

Position Appointment Percent
: 100%

Pay Method
:
Hourly

Pay Period
: 16th – 15th of the following month

Pay Date
:
Last working day of the month

Minimum Hourly Rate
: $15.05 (Standard); $14.05 (Non‑Urban); $16.30 (Portland Metro)

Maximum Hourly Rate
: $21.50 (Standard); $19.50 (Non‑Urban); $22.00 (Portland Metro)

This role provides student assistance for the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC) at Oregon State University (OSU). Up to seven (7) part‑time positions (maximum 24 hours per week) will support harvesting and maintaining berry crop fields such as blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, and strawberry. The work supports the Northwest Berry Program’s research on production and management of berry crops.

Students will develop career‑readiness skills in Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Professionalism, and Technology, aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) competencies.

Key tasks include picking berries, assisting with machine harvests, fertilizing plants, mowing, pruning, planting, hoeing or weed pulling, and recording data. Work is performed outdoors and may require field study and research collaboration.

• Academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program of study.
• Maintains Academic Standing (students on suspension are not eligible).
• Meets minimal enrollment standards:
  • High school student: enrolled in a high school or homeschooling program.
  • Undergraduate/post‑baccalaureate: 6 credit hours per term.
  • Undergraduate international: 12 credit hours per term.
  • Graduate student: 5 credit hours per term.
  • Graduate international: 9 credit hours per term.

* International students may carry fewer hours than specified above and still be considered full‑time by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A reduced course load must be approved by the Office of International Services and reported to the Student Employment Center.

• Current student at an accredited institution studying at least 6 academic credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA (or a full‑time high‑school student).
• Can perform tasks independently without close supervision.
• Capable of working outdoors, standing, and walking extended periods.
• Able to lift 25 lbs.
• Under 18: must pass a tractor safety certification before operating a tractor.
• Attention to detail.
• Maintains a positive, respectful attitude.
• Willingness to learn new technology skills.

• Experience with tractors (for students over 18).
• Desire to learn about plant/crop production.

Seven part‑time positions, scheduled for up to 24 hours per week during the harvest season (anticipated appointment dates: 05/01/2026 – 10/01/2026). Work is primarily outdoor, requiring field operations in varying weather conditions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

The position requires driving a University vehicle or a personal vehicle for university purposes. Incumbents must complete a Motor Vehicle History Check, hold a valid driver’s license in their state of residence, and comply with OSU Driver Standards and Standards 576‑056‑0000. OSU will review the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.