Biological Science Research Technician 3: : Cougar and Bobcat Capture and Research Technician

OSU Oregon State University•Corvallis, OR

84d•Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment is for one full-time, Biological Sciences Technician 3: Cougar and Bobcat Capture and Research Technician position in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU). This is a limited duration appointment expected to last approximately 6-months. The Twining Applied Quantitative Ecology Lab at OSU is seeking a cougar-focused technician for a carnivore interaction study in southern Oregon, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The project studies fisher conservation through the lens of interactions with other carnivores, namely bobcats and cougars, as well as forest structure and disturbance history, using GPS location data and fine-scale movement data. The position will involve physically demanding work in challenging winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, rain, sun, dense vegetation), navigating difficult terrain (steep slopes, logging roads, backcountry), with long periods in the field. The primary duties will include setting and maintaining an array of cameras with deer carcasses on the landscape, monitoring these cameras, and setting live-traps when cougars or bobcats visit a carcass. Once live-traps are set, the technician will be responsible for monitoring traps remotely (once every 30-minutes). The technician will assist Dr. Wes Binder and other team members in the anesthesia and collaring of cougars and bobcats when caught. Accommodation will be provided when in the field in the form of a trailer or bunk house. College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in wildlife science, fisheries and wildlife, biology, ecology or a closely related biological science AND two years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 level; Three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree.
Live-capture and handling of wild carnivores using cage traps, box traps and/or foot-hold sets.
Independently establishing capture sets and adapting set configuration and procedure to site, terrain and weather conditions.
Collecting, recording, quality-checking and summarizing field research data, and reporting results in writing and verbally to a project leader.
Instructing or training others in field research or animal-handling procedures.
Adapting, modifying or fabricating field research equipment to meet project needs.
Working alone and leading small crews in remote backcountry conditions, including at night.
Driving a 4x4 pickup truck in hazardous winter conditions in challenging terrain.
Excellent organization and communication skills.
Strong commitment to safety, animal welfare and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment.
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.

Nice To Haves

Documented experience live-capturing cougars or other large felids.
Chemical immobilization training and certification, and experience administering immobilization and reversal agents under veterinary protocol.
Experience fitting and programming GPS/Iridium collars and working with GPS telemetry data, including kill-cluster identification.
Experience deploying and troubleshooting remote or satellite-linked camera-trap monitoring systems.
Experience working under an approved IACUC protocol and a state scientific take permit.
Experience presenting or contributing field results to project reports, permit reports or professional meetings.
Extended field work experience in severe winter conditions.
Wilderness First Responder or equivalent certification.