Biological Science Research Technician 3

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

Job posting number: #7135890

Posted: March 23, 2023

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill two full-time Biological Science Research Technician 3 positions for the Greenhouse Operations at Oregon State University (OSU).

Greenhouse Operations (GOPS) maintains West Greenhouse facilities located on the main campus at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. West Greenhouses covers 93,000 square feet with 73 greenhouse sections and 56 lab/work rooms. This facility serves as the Agricultural Experiment Station research greenhouses for the State of Oregon as well as the university’s greenhouse teaching facility. Faculty researchers primarily from the Departments of Botany and Plant Pathology, Horticulture, and Crop & Soil Science use the facilities for a wide variety year-round work on agricultural research projects.

The GOPS crew consists of the Greenhouse Manager, Assistant Manager, two Biological Sciences Research Tech 3s (BSRT3), and 8-12 student workers.

The purpose of the BSRT3 position is to provide support for all work items related to the policy and operations of CAS/AES Greenhouse Operations (GOPS). The BSRT3 performs work with limited direct supervision from the Greenhouse Manager. In the absence of the Manager, the BSRT3 will provide assistance to all users and staff for GOPS responsibilities.

Summary of Benefits: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee
To calculate our Total Rewards Package use this link: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator
Position Duties
30% Building maintenance and HVC: Assist the manager with administration and development of the GOPS building maintenance and HVC (heating-venting-cooling) program, coordinate weekly with the crew for assistance with repairs, perform routine daily checks and calibrations of all environmental controllers and equipment associated with the greenhouse HVC systems. Work on evaporative coolers, linear vent actuators, pneumatic thermostats and steam valves, electronic controllers and door locks, air lines, and time clocks. Understand and adhere to state/city/university building code requirements for HVC tasks. Program Wadsworth environmental controllers, analyze program data, and resolve controller problems. Fulfill requests from users for environmental control changes or repairs.

25% Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Assist with the administration and development of the GOPS IPM program in participation with other crew members. Coordinate weekly with crew for tasks such as weekly pest survey/ID, identify pest thresholds with research users, apply pesticides with mechanical and hand sprayers, maintain and repair pesticide application equipment. Keep accurate records of pesticide applications. Other tasks are to coordinate pesticide disposal with EHS, obtain and keep current ODA Public Pesticide Applicator license, train ODA licensed pest applicators, help to maintain SDS/Label data for all pesticides and chemicals used within the facility, review and update pest program information material, update stock and labels, deliver Worker Protection Safety training sessions, and participate in the GOPS Respiratory Protection Program.

15% Install and/or fabricate building materials such as wood, metal, and plastics to perform code legal building maintenance. This includes doors, roofs, benches, framing, light racks, and other types of repairs and installations. Perform electrical and plumbing tasks as building code allows such as wiring time clocks, motors, pumps, controllers, and other equipment that have an approved pigtail for power source. Plumbing work user copper, PVC, galvanized steel, and black pipe. Solder, bend, glue, cut thread, and install all types of plumbing material using hand and power tools. Painting either by hand, aerosol, or pressurized sprayer. Carpentry tasks including rough and finish work, operation of power saws and a variety of hand power tools. Assist Manager on project planning and supply procurement in execution of these tasks. Follow safe practices and train others in the safe use of equipment and tools.

10% Provide information and assistance in person and over electronically to users, service people, visitors, and class groups on subjects included in the GOPS policies such as horticultural practices, IPM, space use efficiency, safety rules and regulations.

10% Provide lead work that includes planning, assigning, and reviewing work and projects for student work crews and temporary workers. Assist in training student workers.

5% General: Use extension and step ladders, roof ladders, scaffolding, and staging to work off of the ground to repair glass, building structures, and equipment from the outside or inside of the facility. Understand and adhere to glazing standards and safe practices and train staff on glazing tasks. Inspect and repair all glazing material. Install and remove poly covers and shade cloth from ladders, staging, roof gutters, and the ground.

5% General greenhouse tasks such as prepare potting media, operate tractor, use aeration/autoclave equipment, apply fertilizers, receive and inventory supplies, perform routine and specialized hand watering, grounds maintenance, general range security, maintain tools and equipment, general clean up, repotting, transplanting, complete daily labor log and time slip record.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in (specific area of biological science) and two years of experience related to the area of assignment at a Biological Science 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.

Additional Required Qualifications
Ability to obtain a State of Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator’s License, Category Agriculture Insecticide – Fungicide, within 60 days of hire and maintain while serving in the position. Requires clearance verifying use of a full facepiece respirator with respirator medical evaluation and successful mask fit test.

Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing (including using a computer) with all levels of university staff, faculty, students and representatives of other agencies and vendors in relation to the daily greenhouse operations.

Capable of using power tools safely and proficiently. Basic understanding of electrical wiring, plumbing, carpentry and electronic building control systems.

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision to organize, prioritize and accomplish goals while maintaining good management and safety practices.

Ability to perform ladder work and work in extreme temperatures, light, humidity, dust, and noise.

Proficient computer skills, including webpage administration and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.

Ability to conduct internet searches and navigate other online GOPS related sites.

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.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
Eyesight must be correctable to allow accurate work doing insect survey/scouting, pest spraying and building maintenance.

Courteous demeanor and voice tones are necessary for all face-to-face and phone communications with facility users and fellow crew members.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Able to work routinely on ladders, staging, cement and gravel floors, fixed roofs, greenhouse roofs, and roof gutters. Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs and push or pull wheelbarrows, carts, or spray equipment over 100 yards. Able to work in extreme temperature, light, humidity, dust, and noise. Typical schedule 8am-5pm M-F with occasional on call evenings and weekends when Manager is on schedule leave. Ability to be part of spray rotation with other BSRTs involving work on Wednesday evenings.



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More Info

Job posting number:#7135890
Application Deadline:Open Until Filled
Employer Location:Online Job Advertising
JAX,Florida
United States
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