Biological Science Research Technician

Department

Hermiston Experiment Station

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For Additional Information Please Contact

Marcella Teixeira
alvestem

Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time, Biological Science Research Technician 2 position for the Hermiston Experiment Station at Oregon State University (OSU). This position is located in Hermiston, Oregon. The incumbent is responsible for supporting the Potato Breeding Program of OSU’s Hermiston Agricultural Research & Extension Center (HAREC). With the guidance from the project leader, the incumbent activities include developing and executing greenhouse and field experiments;

conducting variety trials; performing crosses and selecting plant material; monitoring and maintaining plants in the greenhouse and in the field; preparing and conducting potato trials harvesting; performing potato sorting and tuber evaluation for quality purposes; overseeing safety procedures from the potato breeding program team; organizing data and assisting with research as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain plants in the greenhouse.
• Planting, transplanting and fertilizing plants on pre-established schedule.
• Perform crosses between established clones.
• Under supervision, establish field experiments, including planning , mapping, planting, data collection, weed control and harvesting.
• Under supervision, perform tubers sorting and evaluation.
• Assist project leader with Extension events including Field Days, Workshops and Farm Tours.

Qualifications

• Two years of college-level courses in horticulture or any area of agriculture science 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.
• 5 or more years of experience working on potato planting and harvesting; OR 5 or more years of experience with potato breeding activities.
• Possess or ability to obtain an ATV certification within 30 days of hire and maintain while in the position.

Information about critical or security-sensitive 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in the field and in a research environment
• Prior experience working at an off-campus research station
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with teams
• Demonstrated ability to maintain plants in the greenhouse and field
• Demonstrated training and knowledge on safety guidelines.

Working Conditions/Schedule

This position requires extensive time spent working outside in weather conditions including hot summers and cold winters. Additionally, extensive time is spent in environments with high level of noise, either in the greenhouse, in the sorting shed or during harvest. Ability to walk on terrain that is uneven and irregular while carrying objects of weights more than 50lbs is common. Hazardous conditions may occur due to proximity to equipment or pesticides while performing duties.

Appropriate PPE will be provided for applicable duties.

Salary Range

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