Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) Pro Tem Multi-Hazards Field Technician - Open Pool

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oregon's Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) seeks a Pro Tem Multi-Hazards Field Technician to support real-time data collection and field deployments across Oregon. The role involves design, installation, testing, and maintenance of digital monitoring systems for multi-hazard research under supervision.

Based in Eugene, the technician will travel regionally, troubleshoot data issues, and contribute to documentation and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM or equivalent experience in digital data collection systems.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with field data collection and remote monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of safety and field procedures.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, test, and maintain digital monitoring systems.
• Monitor instrument performance and troubleshoot data irregularities.
• Travel regionally within Oregon to support field deployments.
• Document procedures and contribute to scientific analysis.

Skills

Autonomous work

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Documentation procedures

Diversity inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM fields

Job description

Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) Pro Tem Multi-Hazards Field Technician- Open Pool

Department: CAS Earth Sciences

Rank: Research Assistant (Type B)

Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

Applications will be reviewed as needs arise.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Complete applications should include:

• A current CV.
• Names and contact information for three professional references.Candidates will be notified prior to references beingcontacted.

Department Summary

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub ofthe University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of allstudents. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments andprograms in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences,CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Ourfaculty and advisors work closely with students to develop criticalthinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills toaddress real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integralto this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellenceand advancing the mission of both the College and theUniversity.

The Department of Earth Sciences (ERTH) is a member of the Collegeof Arts and Sciences (CAS) that supports significant researchactivities in many fields of Earth and Environmental Science. TheOregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) is a research program within CAS-ERTH.OHAZ uses science, technology, and community engagement tounderstand, detect, and mitigate multi-hazards within the PacificNorthwest. OHAZ consists of over 25 academic and research faculty,undergraduate student employees, and administrative staff. OHAZworks with a broad consortium of collaborators within theUniversity of Oregon and with external groups across the UnitedStates. Support for the program comes from a diverse range ofsources that includes the State of Oregon, various Federal agencies(U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. ForestService, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National ScienceFoundation), and Utility providers. Research activities span avariety of disciplines that enable complex field deployments,robust and secure data telecommunications, stakeholder outreach andcommunity engagement, and leadership in regional hazard monitoringinitiatives. See ohaz.uoregon.edu for more information.

Position Summary

Pro Tem Multi-Hazards Field Technicians play a key role in advancing our mission to improve real time scientific understandingof earthquakes, wildfires, and related natural hazards. Based inEugene, field tech positions support regional research initiativesby traveling throughout Oregon and neighboring states to operate,evaluate, and refine a distributed monitoring network thatgenerates critical scientific data for public safety and communityresilience.

Working under the guidance of senior research and technical staff,Field Technician roles assist in the design, installation, testing,and maintenance of digital monitoring systems and associatedtelemetry used in multi-hazard research. Responsibilities includemonitoring instrument performance, conducting field investigations,troubleshooting data irregularities, implementing improvements todata collection infrastructure, and contributing to documentationthat informs ongoing scientific analysis.

Field technician roles require the ability to work independently inremote field environments as well as collaboratively within aresearch team. By supporting system reliability, data quality, andinstrumentation innovation, the Field Technician helps advanceresearch that enhances understanding of natural hazards andstrengthens community preparedness.

Positions are limited duration appointments potentially renewablefor up to a total of three years, based on programmatic need,funding, and performance. Screening of applications will take placeas positions become available and continue until positions arefilled.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather.
• Ability to carry equipment up to 50 pounds for short distancesover uneven terrain.
• Must have a valid US driver's license.
• Must have or be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certificationwithin the first month.

Vertical Access Program (VAP) Qualification

• Field Technicians who conduct above-ground climbing and ropeaccess work must be proficient, or have the ability to gainproficiency, in fall arrest, rope access, and complex haul systems,AND must be certified at the SPRAT 1 level within one year ofemployment.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in STEM field, OR
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experiencethat demonstrates equivalent technical knowledge in digital datacollection systems (subsystems of low-voltage power, digitalsensors, and telecommunications), and/or remote field installationand operations workflows.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to work well both autonomously and in a team-orientedenvironment.
• Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Knowledge of general construction techniques and the safe use ofhand, power, and shop tools.
• Ability to follow written and digital documentationprocedures.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, andpartners from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to contribute to institutional diversity, equity, andinclusion efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with remote sensing, seismic, or related dataacquisition systems.
• Experience deploying scientific equipment in remote fieldsettings.
• Experience with low-voltage (12/24/48VDC) power systems.
• Experience with radio telemetry systems in licensed andunlicensed spectrum.
• Experience working in industrialcommunications/telecommunications environments.
• Experience configuring and supporting IP network devices.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals (OSI model, TCP/IP,subnets).
• Experience using documentation, asset management, or trackingplatforms (e.g., Jira, NetBox, SIS, databases).
• Experience operating 4x4 vehicles in off-road environments.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

• The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefitspackage to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion,national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genderexpression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions),age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (includingfamily medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship,service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and statelaw), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use ofleave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activitiesand employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicablelaws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy.Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity andAccess. Contact information, related policies, and complaintprocedures are listedhere.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.