Temporary Biological Science Research Technician 1 — Oregon State University
Position will assist in scientific research in the Columbia River basin (Southwestern Washington, Northern & Eastern Oregon, and Southwestern Idaho). This project is a high-resolution, watershed level mercury monitoring effort to characterize spatiotemporal trends in mercury levels, using dragonfly larvae (Anisoptera) as biosentinels.
Responsibilities include field work in remote areas, up to 8 days at a time. Field surveys will consist of daily sampling trips to multiple sites located on private and public wetlands, including ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Sampling will involve netting and collecting dragonfly larvae, collecting water and soil samples, and recording in situ water chemistry and habitat observations. This fieldwork requires working in difficult terrain (navigating slippery pond banks and wading waist-deep water for extended periods) and will occur regardless of weather conditions (within reason). All field gear and field housing (excluding housing in Corvallis) will be provided. Responsibilities also include laboratory work in Corvallis, with tasks including weighing, measuring, identifying, drying, and processing dragonfly samples.
Employees must be able to report to work in Corvallis, Oregon for the duration of the 4.5-month employment term. Field housing during sampling trips will be provided, housing in or around Corvallis will not be provided.
The work schedule will consist of 8, 8-hour days in the field and 5 days off. Some days will require significant travel time to field sites. Intermittently, field days will be replaced with laboratory days to assist with processing samples.