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

Department: Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Conservation Special Instructions to Applicants: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 17, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. 3) Transcripts (upload as a separate document): Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. For additional information please contact: Joshua Twining [email protected] (607) 220-7547 Job Summary: This recruitment will be used to one full-time, Biological Sciences Technician 3: Cougar and Bobcat Capture and Research Technician position in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU). This is a limited duration appointment expected to last approximately 6-months from the appointment begin date. The Twining Applied Quantitative Ecology Lab at OSU is seeking a cougar-focused technician for our carnivore interaction study in southern Oregon, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 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. We are looking to recruit an individual experienced with live-capture of cougars to join to our team for this project which consists of ODFW Western Research team and faculty, postdocs, and graduate students from the Department of Fisheries Wildlife and Conservation Sciences at OSU.  The position will be 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.  The primary duties will be setting and maintaining an array of cameras with deer carcasses on the landscape, monitoring the array cameras, and setting live-traps when cougars or bobcats start visiting a carcass. Once live-traps are set, the technician will be the primary individual responsible for monitoring traps (once every 30-minutes, remotely).  The technician will assist Dr. Wes Binder and other team members in anesthesia and collaring of cougars and bobcats when caught. Accommodation will be provided when in the field in form of trailer or bunk house. College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for Extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audience. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Camera trap and live-trap setup and maintenance Remote live-trap monitoring/on call Cougar and bobcat anesthesia and collaring Managing equipment Data entry Qualifications: Required Qualifications: 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; 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 a