Position Details
Position Information
Department Fisheries and Wildlife (AFW)
Position Title Academic Wage Appt - Hourly
Job Title Academic Wage-Hourly: Faculty Research Assistant (Environmental Communications)
Appointment Type Academic Wage
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Part-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option? Yes
Job Summary
The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences is seeking an hourly Academic Wage: Faculty Research Assistant (Environmental Communications). This is a part-time (0.50 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term position.
The Jones Lab is led by Dr. Megan Jones and conducts research on environmental communication related to voluntary conservation action and effective natural resource management. Most of the lab's work focuses on social-ecological issues within Oregon such as human-wildlife coexistence, river stewardship, and collaborative conservation. This position will work in close collaboration with Dr. Jones to help communicate research findings to public and practitioner audiences and support ongoing research projects in the lab.
Research communications comprises 45% of the job description and must include designing written, visual and interactive communications for scientific journals and diverse audiences including agencies, nonprofits, and interested members of the public. Research support comprises 45% of this role and must include conducting social science research (e.g. designing and conducting surveys, interviews, literature reviews and/or document analysis), writing grants, and providing research logistical support. Mentorship and support comprise 15% of the job description and must include mentoring graduate students.
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FWCS is a part of the College of Agricultural Sciences. We are a team of scientists, students, and staff devoted to the study of conservation sciences and fish and wildlife management. We educate our students to think critically and evaluate problems from a strong background in basic and applied science, fundamental ecological principles, and consideration of social influences on conservation. We strive to help our students succeed through a rich program of field and laboratory coursework and personal advising.
Our faculty includes 27 tenured or tenure-track faculty, 10 research faculty, 15 faculty members with outreach/extension appointments, and 32 Postdoctoral Associates, Research Associates and Research Assistants. Through our close ties with state and federal agencies, we also have 38 courtesy faculty, including 4 USGS Cooperative Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit faculty. This dynamic and internationally recognized group of scientific professionals provides a rich environment for students who seek a degree that is both scientifically rigorous and relevant to today's natural resource issues.
Our staff and faculty also take pride in teaching, advising and public outreach. Many of our teaching faculty have received Outstanding Teaching Awards from the College of Agricultural Sciences, and are listed in the University's Registry of Distinguished Teachers. Our advising staff provides personal attention to our students and has won awards for excellence in advising at both the college level and within professional societies. Faculty, advisors and the Department Head have an "open door" policy for students that provide a family-oriented atmosphere. Finally, we strive to provide citizens of Oregon with useful scientific information on issues such as salmon and watershed management, land-use practices and habitat restoration, and marine resource conservation.
Mission
Faculty and students in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife acquire, integrate, and disseminate knowledge about fish and wildlife at all levels of biological organization. We focus on resource systems influenced by human activities. Our goal is to provide people with the knowledge needed to make wise decisions on issues of conservation, sustainable use, and ecosystem restoration. We accomplish this through a combination of undergraduate and graduate education, scholarly research, extension education, and public outreach.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS :
-Top 1.4% university in the world
-More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
-1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
-2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
-7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
-100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
-35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
-217k+ alumni worldwide
-For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
-Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
-Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
-Retirement savings paid by the university.
-A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
-Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
-Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
-Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .
Key Responsibilities
45% Research Communications
45% Research Support
10% Mentorship and Lab Support
What You Will Need
Master's degree in fish and wildlife conservation, natural resources, environmental management, environmental studies, environmental science or policy, science communication, education, geography, psychology, anthropology or a related discipline, including communication coursework.
Knowledge and experience with qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis.
Strong verbal and written communication skills including demonstrated proficiency in scientific, academic, outreach or other professional writing.
Strong visual communication skills including demonstrated proficiency in graphic design, infographics, illustration, digital marketing or related techniques.
Demonstrated commitment to collaborating with colleagues and engaging diverse audiences.
Capacity to work independently under deadlines while maintaining high-quality results.
What We Would Like You to Have
Proficiency in graphic design tools such as Adobe Illustrator.
Experience with research software such as R, Python, NVivo or MaxQDA.
Knowledge of current professional and social trends related to environmental conservation, sustainability and/or natural resource management.
Experience developing and maintaining collaborations with nonprofits, government agencies, and/or businesses.
Experience writing grant or scholarship applications.
Experience mentoring and/or supporting graduate or undergraduate students or employees.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
This work requires daily use of a computer and could include fully remote work OR hybrid work splitting time between home and the Oregon State University main campus in Corvallis, OR.
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $58,000 - $75,000
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/173163
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09566UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 02/01/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date 01/31/2027
Posting Date 11/20/2025
Full Consideration Date 12/03/2025
Closing Date 12/10/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Curriculum Vitae
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
3) Portfolio: please include at least one sample of your past written and visual communication (2+ samples total).
4) Unofficial Transcripts. Transcripts must be submitted for all required and/or related courses. All courses must be from accredited colleges, universities, or private vocational schools. The online application system will allow you to attach your transcripts if the PDF file is 9MB or less. Transcripts must be received by the closing date. If you have trouble uploading your transcripts, reach out to the contact listed.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact:
Megan Jones
megan.jones@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
Supplemental Questions
Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/174749
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.