USDA Berry Physiology Research Assistant

USDA Berry Physiology Research Assistant Please see Special Instructions for more details.

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

• Resume/Vita
• Cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position

For additional information please contact:
Scott Orr at scott.orr

Job Title: USDA Berry Physiology Research Assistant

Appointment Type: Student Employee

Position Appointment Percent: 10%

Appointment Basis: 12

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 recruitment will be used to fill four part‑time (a maximum of 20 hours per week and 40 hours per week during the summer) Blueberry Physiology Research Assistant positions for the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position performs routine to complex technical or specialized tasks in support of blueberry physiology field research. The positions will have a work schedule of 20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per week during the summer. Most work will take place outdoors on a farm, often in sunny and hot conditions.

Work will be performed at two locations:

• USDA‑ARS, 3420 NW Orchard Ave., Corvallis
• OSU Lewis Brown Farm, 33329 Peoria Road, Corvallis

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 following areas:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Teamwork
• Career & Self‑Development

90% – Assist with field management and/or greenhouse trials that can include:

• Harvesting (primary task)
• Mowing
• Weeding
• Irrigation maintenance
• Potting plants
• Root washing
• Weighing samples
• Other field tasks

10% – Assorted lab/office duties that may include:

• Must be academically enrolled in a high school, community college, or university and pursuing a program or course of study
• Must meet Academic Standing Requirements; students on academic suspension are not eligible for employment
• Must meet the applicable minimal enrollment standard
  • High School student:
    Regularly enrolled in a high school or participating in a home‑schooling program
  • Undergraduate and post‑baccalaureate student: 6 credit hours per term
  • Undergraduate international student: 12 credit hours per term*
  • Graduate student officially admitted to Graduate School: 5 credit hours per term
  • Graduate international student officially admitted to Graduate School: 9 credit hours per term*

* 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.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• This position is in a federal building and the incumbent must successfully obtain the appropriate security clearance within 90 days of the employment start date.
• Successfully complete and maintain appropriate farm, lab and greenhouse safety training and certifications.
• Must possess a current, valid driver's license and successfully complete a Motor Vehicle History Check; the incumbent must be qualified to drive a University vehicle or personal vehicle on behalf of the University.
• 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.

Background in Horticulture, Crop Science, or other science field preferred, but not required.

Shifts:

20 hours per week during the school year,…