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 being contacted.
Department Summary
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is the intellectual hub of the University of Oregon, serving nearly two-thirds of all students. Home to more than 800 faculty across 50+ departments and programs in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, CAS is a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic community. Our faculty and advisors work closely with students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and clear communication skills to address real-world challenges. CAS staff and managers are integral to this work, playing vital roles in supporting academic excellence and advancing the mission of both the College and the University.
The Department of Earth Sciences (ERTH) is a member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) that supports significant research activities in many fields of Earth and Environmental Science. The Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) is a research program within CAS-ERTH. OHAZ uses science, technology, and community engagement to understand, detect, and mitigate multi-hazards within the Pacific Northwest. OHAZ consists of over 25 academic and research faculty, undergraduate student employees, and administrative staff. OHAZ works with a broad consortium of collaborators within the University of Oregon and with external groups across the United States. Support for the program comes from a diverse range of sources that includes the State of Oregon, various Federal agencies (U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Science Foundation), and Utility providers. Research activities span a variety of disciplines that enable complex field deployments, robust and secure data telecommunications, stakeholder outreach and community engagement, and leadership in regional hazard monitoring initiatives. 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 understanding of earthquakes, wildfires, and related natural hazards. Based in Eugene, field tech positions support regional research initiatives by traveling throughout Oregon and neighboring states to operate, evaluate, and refine a distributed monitoring network that generates critical scientific data for public safety and community resilience.
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 associated telemetry used in multi-hazard research. Responsibilities include monitoring instrument performance, conducting field investigations, troubleshooting data irregularities, implementing improvements to data collection infrastructure, and contributing to documentation that informs ongoing scientific analysis.
Field technician roles require the ability to work independently in remote field environments as well as collaboratively within a research team. By supporting system reliability, data quality, and instrumentation innovation, the Field Technician helps advance research that enhances understanding of natural hazards and strengthens community preparedness.
Positions are limited duration appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of three years, based on programmatic need, funding, and performance. Screening of applications will take place as positions become available and continue until positions are filled.
Special Requirements:
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather.
• Ability to carry equipment up to 50 pounds for short distances over uneven terrain.
• Must have a valid US driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within the first month.
Vertical Access Program (VAP) Qualification:
• Field Technicians who conduct above-ground climbing and rope access work must be proficient, or have the ability to gain proficiency, in fall arrest, rope access, and complex haul systems, AND must be certified at the SPRAT 1 level within one year of employment.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in STEM field, OR
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates equivalent technical knowledge in digital data collection systems (subsystems of low-voltage power, digital sensors, and telecommunications), and/or remote field installation and operations workflows.
Professional Competencies
• Ability to work well both autonomously and in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to problem-solve and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Knowledge of general construction techniques and the safe use of hand, power, and shop tools.
• Ability to follow written and digital documentation procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and partners from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to contribute to institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with remote sensing, seismic, or related data acquisition systems.
• Experience deploying scientific equipment in remote field settings.
• Experience with low-voltage (12/24/48VDC) power systems.
• Experience with radio telemetry systems in licensed and unlicensed spectrum.
• Experience working in industrial communications/telecommunications environments.
• Experience configuring and supporting IP network devices.
• Knowledge of networking fundamentals (OSI model, TCP/IP, subnets).
• Experience using documentation, asset management, or tracking platforms (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 benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
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, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
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.
