Student Technical Assistant - FST Pilot Plant

OSU Oregon State University • Corvallis, OR

3d

About The Position

The Department of Food Science and Technology at Oregon State University is hiring one student to support food processing projects and day-to-day operations in its pilot plant. The work includes beverage manufacturing, product development trials, research projects, and small-scale production. Prior experience is not required; the student will learn about food and personal safety, sanitation, equipment setup, beverage processing, pilot plant operations, basic documentation, and facility maintenance.

This is a project-based role in a fast-paced environment where daily tasks may change according to research needs, client projects, equipment availability, production schedules, and facility priorities. The position is part-time, with work dependent on project load. Student employees may work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks, subject to scheduling needs and university employment limits. The position develops communication, critical thinking, and technology skills.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in an FST undergraduate degree program.
• Must communicate effectively in written and oral English.
• 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 minimum enrollment standard.
• Must successfully complete a Criminal History Check and be determined position qualified.
• Must self-report convictions.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Pilot Plant Manager with preparation for food processing projects, research trials, beverage production, and product development activities.
• Set up, stage, and organize equipment, ingredients, packaging materials, tools, and supplies for pilot plant operations.
• Assist with beverage manufacturing, including ingredient preparation, batching, filing, packaging, labeling, cleaning, and documentation.
• Clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, work surfaces, floors, drains, and other pilot plant areas before, during, and after processing.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, labeling, and storing ingredients, packaging materials, finished products, and research samples.
• Assist with basic food quality checks, sample preparation, weighing, measuring, labeling, and other routine project support tasks.
• Provide general operational support, sanitation, maintenance, and pilot plant preparation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed