Forages GIS-Mapping Layer Technician

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Corvallis, OREGON
Deadline: 14 Jun 2022

Position Details
Position Information


Job Title Forages GIS-Mapping Layer Technician
Appointment Type Student Employee
Job Location Corvallis
Position Appointment Percent 100
Appointment Basis 12
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Min Hourly Rate $12.75 (Standard); $12.00 (Non-Urban); $14.00 (Portland Metro)
Max Hourly Rate $18.00 (Standard); $17.50 (Non-Urban); $18.50 (Portland Metro)
Position Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one GIS-Mapping Layer Technician position for The Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University (OSU).
Appropriate forage selection is key to high productivity and persistence of forage stands and to the sustainability of forage-livestock systems. We’re creating a database driven tool that will allow growers to optimize their forage choices for profitability and the environment. The tool is based on modeling and mapping activities that incorporate climate, soil, and plant characteristics into high-resolution spatial data overlays. Our team seeks a student member who will identify information, contribute to data overlays, and improve websites.
Position Duties
  • Reviewing our project’s previous publications and web segments describing soil and climate tolerances of grass, legume, and other forb species. 
  • Conducting library and internet searches to identify forage characteristics. 
  • Creating polynomial response functions for each factor for each species. 
  • Working with GIS experts to apply function parameters to develop maps with spatial data layers of soil and climate factors. 
  • Assembling field research data of forage yields. 
  • Working with communication specialists to draft components of grower tools.
Minimum Qualifications
Employment Eligibility Requirements (http://fa.oregonstate.edu/stu-manual/500-employment-eligibility-requirements )
Additional Required Qualifications
  • Introductory level biology/plant physiology knowledge.
  • Searching skills (library, internet, researcher interviews, etc.).
  • Spreadsheet development and polynomial graphing skills.
  • Rudimentary skills with R package.
  • Familiarity with GIS and spatial data overlays.
  • Able to work independently and as part of a group.
  • Able to generate steady project outputs.
  • Willing to learn how to edit Drupal websites.


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.
Preferred (Special) Qualifications
Our ideal candidate would be qualified as an undergraduate student worker to work full time during the summers (2022 and 2023) and work part-time during the 2022-2023 academic year. We will certainly consider applicants who are otherwise qualified, but don’t meet this ideal availability. With advance notification, summer work may include unpaid time off.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Skills you will improve and acquire. Specific skills will vary with your interest and project need: 
Improve library and internet search skills as you work with scientists and librarians.
Increase your knowledge of plant materials and nomenclature.
Develop basic plant identification skills.
Increase your awareness of ecological zones and natural and managed landscapes.
Apply math skills to practical problem solving.
Make practical applications of climate and soil spatial data layers. 
Develop your communication skills by sharing science concepts with non-scientists.
Gain web development and editing skills.
The position may work from any location that offers high-speed internet.

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P08706SE
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/13/2022
Anticipated Appointment End Date 09/20/2022
Posting Date 05/10/2022
Full Consideration Date 05/30/2022
Closing Date 06/14/2022
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Student - open to ALL qualified/eligible students
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1. A resume that reflects the position requirements and responses to the supplemental questions.
For additional information please contact: David Hannaway at [email protected]
OSU is committed to the health of our local and global community. All employees and students are required to comply with the university’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Please visit https://covid.oregonstate.edu/ for additional information about OSU’s plans for safety and success, as well as options for compliance with the vaccination program.
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
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.
Note: All job offers are contingent upon Human Resources final approval.

Similar Positions