Biological Sciences Research Technician 1: Potato Inspector
Biological Sciences Research Technician 1: Potato Inspector
Oregon State University
Department: Crop/Soil Sci Extension (ACS)
Appointment Type: Classified Staff
Job Location: Various Locations
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range:
Job Summary:
This recruitment will be used to fill two part-time (approximately 16 hours per week) seasonal (September – December) Biological Sciences Research Technician 1 positions for the Department of Crop & Soil Science Experiment Station at Oregon State University (OSU ).
This position will perform seasonal work in Klamath or Jefferson Country and adjacent area counties. This position is to primarily assist with the inspection of potato tubers during the harvest inspections (September through early November). The incumbent will also sample and tag seed lots in the Klamath Basin or Jefferson Country area. Assisting with inspections of other crops such as mint and cereals, may be included on an intermittent basis.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
80% Inspect potato fields and storage facilities during the potato harvest season (September through early November) for presence of diseases, off-types and any other factors that may affect the suitability for certification. Driving required to navigate to remote potato locations. Work with supervisor to ensure inspection methods consider diverse perspectives and avoid bias.
10% Assist with the inspections of other crops in the Klamath or Jefferson Country areas.
10% Perform paperwork and communication activities (phone, email, mail) associated with planning out inspections and reporting inspection results to supervisor. Engage in open and respectful communication. Attend training sessions related to position.
What You Will Need
Two years of college-level courses in Crop Science Soil Management or Agricultural Sciences; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to locate and work in remote rural fields independently.
Effective communication and organizational skills.
Ability to interact and communicate successfully and inclusively, both in writing and verbally, with a broad and diverse audience in a professional, positive and friendly manner.
Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
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.
What We Would Like You to Have
Experience with inspection of potato tubers for disease or off-types.
Experience with potato grade inspections, mint, or small grain crops for factors important to Seed Certification.
Experience working with local Ag Extension officials.
Familiarity and experience in potato production or inspections.
Geographical knowledge of the Klamath Basin or Jefferson County areas in regards to location of remote fields and surrounding areas.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Work is performed independently, following pre-established guidelines, and for the most part, in remote outdoor fields with exposure to sun, wind, dust, low and high temperatures. The typical harvest season is mid-September through early November. At times, full-time work may be required: other times, minimal hours will be required, depending on the harvest schedules of the individual growers. Some intermittent work assisting in the inspection of other crops, such as small grains and/or mint, may be involved during July and August. This role regularly performs independently within the Klamath or Jefferson County areas and involves extensive driving to remote field locations.
Ability to frequently lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100.
Able to walk long distances over rough ground in windy, hot or cold conditions.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position.
Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position.
Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications
Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).
PLEASE NOTE : If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.
Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.
For additional information please contact:
Tami Brown
tami.brown@oregonstate.edu
541-737-4513
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks website including the https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/6335959
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