CoF Mentored Employment Program (Student Technical Assistant Pool 2026-27)

OSU Rec Sports - Sport. Leadership. Wellness.; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Oregon State University invites applications for a part-time Undergraduate Student Technical Assistant in the College of Forestry. The role supports research and administrative tasks across lab, field, and data activities, under mentorship through the MEP and SUGAR programs.

Hours are limited to 24 per week during term time, with potential for more during breaks; familiarity with data handling and lab procedures is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate student employment supports research, lab, or field work with mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Meet with mentor to discuss progress and development goals.
• Conduct laboratory tasks: sample prep, tests, and documentation.
• Analyze data to identify patterns relevant to projects.
• Assist with report writing and maintain documentation.
• Enter and manage data in spreadsheets or databases.
• Collect field data, possibly outdoors in varying conditions.
• Maintain and operate research equipment safely.
• Drive OSU Motor Pool or university vehicles for fieldwork as needed.
• Demonstrate self-motivation and ability to work independently.

Skills

Laboratory work

Data analysis

Report writing

Data entry

Field data collection

Independent work

Job description

Department:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

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 OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Note:All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval

Job Description:

The Undergraduate Student Technical Assistant performs routine to complex technical tasks in support of research or administrative work which includes laboratory, green house, field plot, data collection, simple analysis, or the care and maintenance of animals.

This recruitment will be used to fill future part-time (maximum of 24 hours per week during academic terms and up to 40 hours per week during term breaks) Student Technical Assistant positions as needed with the Mentored Employment Program and SUGAR program in the College of Forestry (CoF) at Oregon State University (OSU).

The Mentored Employment Program (MEP) provides opportunities for College of Forestry (CoF) undergraduate students to engage in research, project-based, and field work alongside CoF faculty mentors.

The Summer Undergraduate Graduate Assisted Research (SUGAR) program offers CoF undergraduates the chance to collaborate with graduate students and faculty on research and thesis-related projects during summer term.

Both programs emphasize a strong mentorship component, fostering academic and professional development through guided, hands-on experience.

The nature of the work will vary depending on the specific project (students are encouraged to review individual project descriptions). Weekly hours will be determined based on the needs of the project and the availability of both the student and faculty mentor but will not exceed 24 hours per week during the academic year.

Position Duties:

• Meet regularly with mentor/supervisor to discuss project progress, research findings, and topics related to academic, personal, and professional development.

• Conduct laboratory work, including preparing samples, performing tests and evaluations, and documenting results accurately.

• Analyze research data using appropriate tools and methods to identify patterns, trends, or outcomes relevant to the project.

• Assist with report writing, documentation, or formal reports as needed.

• Enter and manage data in spreadsheets, databases, or specialized software with attention to accuracy and consistency.

• Collect and process fi eld data and samples, which may involve outdoor work in various environmental conditions.

• Clean and perform maintenance of research and lab equipment.

• Operate specialized research equipment to ensure safety, functionality, and readiness for use.

• Clean and maintain research and laboratory equipment to ensure safety, functionality, and readiness for use.

• Drive OSU Motor Pool, personal, or university-owned vehicles as needed for fieldwork or research-related travel (with appropriate authorization and training).

• Demonstrated self-motivation and ability to complete tasks independently.

• Students whose backgrounds contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of the campus community.

• Relevant coursework or prior experience related to the specific research project, or fi eld work.

• Minimum 2.5 GPA.

Qualifications:

Full Employment Eligibility Requirements can be found here:https://hr.oregonstate.edu/student-employment-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements

• 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

• *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 Office of International Services (OIS), and must be provided to the Student Employment Center.

• 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 OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

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 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 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, Technology, Leadership, Professionalism, Equity & Inclusion, Career & Self Development

Working Conditions/Schedule:

The approximate hours worked each week may vary depending on the needs of the project and student schedule but will not exceed 24 hours per week during the academic terms (fall, winter, spring).

Anticipated Start Date:

2026-07-31

Anticipated End Date:

2027-06-30