Biological Science Research Technician 3: : Cougar and Bobcat Capture and Research Technician

This recruitment is for one full-time, limited-duration Biological Sciences Technician 3 position in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU). The appointment is expected to last approximately six months. The Twining Applied Quantitative Ecology Lab at OSU is seeking a cougar-focused technician for a carnivore interaction study in southern Oregon, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

About the role

We are studying fisher conservation through the lens of interactions with other carnivores, namely bobcats and cougars, as well as forest structure and disturbance history, using GPS location data and fine-scale movement data. The position involves physically demanding work in challenging winter conditions (cold, snow, ice, rain, sun, dense vegetation), navigating difficult terrain (steep slopes, logging roads, backcountry), with long periods in the field. Accommodation will be provided when in the field in the form of a trailer or bunkhouse.

Responsibilities

• Camera trap and live-trap setup and maintenance
• Remote live-trap monitoring/on call (once every 30 minutes, including overnight, weekends, and holidays)
• Cougar and bobcat anesthesia and collaring
• Managing equipment
• Data entry
• Setting and maintaining an array of cameras with deer carcasses on the landscape
• Monitoring array cameras and setting live-traps when cougars or bobcats start visiting a carcass
• Assisting in anesthesia and collaring of cougars and bobcats when caught

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in wildlife science, fisheries and wildlife, biology, ecology or a closely related biological science AND two years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Sciences Research Technician 2 level; OR three additional years of experience related to the area of assignment at the Biological Science Research Technician 2 level (may substitute for the Bachelor's degree)
• Live-capture and handling of wild carnivores using cage traps, box traps and/or foot-hold sets
• Independently establishing capture sets and adapting set configuration and procedure to site, terrain, and weather conditions
• Collecting, recording, quality-checking, and summarizing field research data, and reporting results in writing and verbally to a project leader
• Instructing or training others in field research or animal-handling procedures
• Adapting, modifying, or fabricating field research equipment to meet project needs
• Working alone and leading small crews in remote backcountry conditions, including at night
• Driving a 4x4 pickup truck in hazardous winter conditions in challenging terrain
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Strong commitment to safety, animal welfare, and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in a team environment

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented experience live-capturing cougars or other large felids
• Chemical immobilization training and certification, and experience administering immobilization and reversal agents under veterinary protocol
• Experience fitting and programming GPS/Iridium collars and working with GPS telemetry data, including kill-cluster identification
• Experience deploying and troubleshooting remote or satellite-linked camera-trap monitoring systems
• Experience working under an approved IACUC protocol and a state scientific take permit
• Experience presenting or contributing field results to project reports, permit reports, or professional meetings
• Extended field work experience in severe winter conditions
• Wilderness First Responder or equivalent certification

Schedule

• Appointment period: Approximately six months, December 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, based in southern Oregon
• Work schedule: Substantial work outside the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays. During active trapping, the incumbent is on call 24 hours per day and must check remote trap cameras at intervals of 30 minutes or less around the clock — including overnight, on weekends, and on holidays. Capture events routinely require call-back outside scheduled hours and work in excess of 40 hours in a work week. A significant proportion of hours worked will fall between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday, with expected overtime during the capture season.
• Working conditions: Physically and mentally demanding work in harsh conditions — cold, snow, ice, rain, heat, and dense vegetation — with long days, weekend work, and difficult terrain. The incumbent will work outdoors in severe winter conditions; lift and carry bulky equipment up to 60 lbs; traverse rugged off-trail terrain, including at night; and drive a 4x4 vehicle on unimproved mountain roads, including at night and in snow and ice. The position involves direct handling of anesthetized large carnivores, exposure to controlled chemical immobilization agents, and extended periods working alone in remote areas outside cellular coverage.

Pay

Salary range: $19.36 - $28.75 per hour