Summer Employment
Related Information
Additional Information
The programs number one goal is SAFETY!!! We will provide all employees with a wide range of training activities including: Wilderness First Aid; CPR; map, compass and GPS skills; vehicle safety; handheld and mobile radios; satellite phones and working as a team.
What you need to know about working in the field out “West”:
(Note: The following does not apply to every trip, but these are situations you may encounter while you are working or on your days off exploring the Northwest.)
- You should expect to sometimes be camping and sleeping outdoors in remote areas, away from urban life for up to 8 days at a time!!!
- Many of the sample sites are “off the beaten trail,” so you should be prepared to walk down and up steep, mountainous terrain with dense vegetation. You’ll also be wading in cold mountain streams to collect data!!!
- No worries, we provide waders and boots to keep the feet warm.
- Don’t forget to bring a good pair of hiking boots, no tennis shoes or open-toe shoes will be allowed!!!
- The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared to be working in rain, under hot sunny skies, and during cold, cloudy weather (it may even snow)!!!
- Poison oak, ticks, mosquitoes, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets and bees are all likely to be encountered at sometime during the summer.
- We will train you in prevention and care.
- Because of working in remote locations, you have a better than average chance to see some unique wildlife, such as, black bears, cougars, bobcats, and rattlesnakes.
- We will provide you training to avoid any bad experiences with wildlife.
You will see some incredible scenery, witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets and experience some amazing places where most people never set foot or see!!!
What do I need to bring?
A car would be helpful, especially if you wish to do some exploring of the Pacific Northwest when you are not working. Corvallis is a very bicycle friendly town, and there is public transportation (see website below). You will also need to bring the following:
- Rain gear (you will definitely need it!)
- Sturdy hiking boots (tennis shoes or open-toe shoes will not be allowed)
- Field clothing for hot days, cold days, rainy days, snowy days, and sunny days
- Sleeping bag
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a good hat
- Water bottle(s)
- Plus any necessary items you may need for the summer
We provide the following:
(Note: we provide this gear for when you are working - you’ll need your own gear during your time off):
- Cooking gear
- Tents
- Sleeping pads
- Waders and wading shoes
- Hardhats (yep, ya gotta wear one in the field)
- Back packs
- Water filters
- First aid kits
- Government vehicle for all field work
- Per diem (for you to buy food)
- Plus a whole lot more for field work and camping equipment
Want to know more about Corvallis? Check out these links:
- Local public transportation
- Info on Oregon State University
- Chamber of Commerce Info (includes town maps)
