Student Technical Assistant-Native Seed Production Field Assistant

Position Summary

The Oregon State University Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab is a research institution co-led by OSU Cascades and the National Park Service that delivers expertise in ecological assessment and monitoring, restoration, and native plant materials to support evidence-based conservation for the 21st century. The HERS Lab hosts the Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network of the National Park Service (UCBN), East Cascades Native Plant Hub (ECNPH), and the Northwestern Bat Hub on the OSU Cascades campus in Bend, OR. The Lab is hiring one Student Technical Assistant (STA) to assist with ECNPH management of native seed production fields in various locations in OR. The initial need is for 1-2 days per week to assist with irrigation, weeding, and plant performance assessment at production fields in Terrebonne, OR, with options to include several fields in the John Day Fossil Beds if the STA schedule and interests allow. The STA will also support Hub seed collection, propagation, and restoration plantings wherever possible, and have opportunities to support other HERS Lab projects as availability, funding, and interests allow. This position is a critical for collaborative implementation of the National Seed Strategy in support of federal land restoration and post-fire revegetation needs. The position is currently scheduled to end in June, but transition to summer employment at either full or part-time capacity is likely.

Field work for this position is diverse and dynamic, well-balanced with hard work and time off, and offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in several facets of native plant work : seed collection, plant propagation, planting, and field management in collaboration with a variety of land management agencies. The technician hired for this position will primarily manage native grass seed production fields at the Dry Fly Land Management properties in Terrebonne, OR., as well as other fields in and adjacent to the John Day Fossil Beds, OR. The technician will also assist ECNPH with greenhouse propagation of native plants. If extended, duties may include seed collection and planting throughout Central Oregon or on federal lands in the PNW. This position will be based in Bend, OR, where there is excellent access to hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking / rafting opportunities.

Anticipated hourly rate is $18.00 per hour Transferable Skill Development 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 as the essential skills employers seek in their hires. In this position, students learn and build vital career-readiness skills in the primary areas below :

Communication, Critical Thinking, Teamwork, Leadership, Professionalism, Equity & Inclusion, Technology, Career & Self-Development Position Duties 80% Native Grass Seed Production Field Management :

• Manage grass production irrigation systems, including set up, regular service, use, and end-of-season storage.
• Invasive plant management via mechanical means (mowing, hoeing, etc)
• Monitoring of plant biomass production, survival, seed production, and water use
• Transfer field production data to the Plant Propagation Coordinator for analysis and data management
• Seed harvesting and transport to processing / storage location20% Native Plant Materials Projects (ECNPH) :
• Seed collection and seed cleaning.
• Greenhouse maintenance including plant propagation, watering, and pest management.
• Field activities including planting for seed increase and restoration projects. Minimum Qualifications Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here :
• 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 (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center. Additional Required Qualifications Must possess a valid driving license and pass our Motor Vehicle History Check. Preferred (Special) Qualifications Experience with commercial irrigation systemsExperience with landscaping and / or weed managementAbility to work independently in remote settings Working Conditions / Work Schedule