Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.
Unit Position Summary
A full-time (40-hour per week) hourly research technician position is available in the MSU Coastal Processes and Geomorphology Lab (www.coastalgeomorphology.com), part of the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences at Michigan State University. This technician would be involved in various coastal geomorphology and geology research projects, including but not limited to beach and nearshore sediment transport studies, monitoring of coastal change associated with shore protection/coastal management actions, and process-based studies of coastal bluff evolution. These projects involve substantial fieldwork that utilizes drones, GPS, small, occupied research vessels, and remotely operated vessels. Research studies are funded by various agencies, including the National Park Service, the State of Michigan (Coastal Management Program), and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
The technician will assist and lead field operations to coastal sites throughout the Great Lakes, but primarily within Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio. Additionally, the technician will be responsible for processing and analyzing coastal change data using a variety of computer programs, including ArcGIS, Agisoft Metashape, and Golden Software’s Surfer. The technician will be expected to (under the supervision of the PI) analyze and interpret data and write peer-reviewed manuscripts. Opportunities will be provided to the technician to present research findings at scientific conferences and public outreach events.
Training on all aspects of data collection and processing in the formats necessary for the completion of the research tasks associated with this job will be provided by the supervisor and other lab members, but familiarity with the general operations of coastal field research is preferred. The technician will report to work on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI and remote work is not possible for this position.
The anticipated start date for the position is June 1, 2024, but it is negotiable. The hourly rate is commensurate with experience but will generally range from $20-$30 per hour.
The successful candidate will initially be appointed to a 9-month term, which can be renewed for a second 9-month term following a one-week unpaid leave. Upon completion of this 18-month initial term, there is the potential for strong performing employees to be considered for a transition to a permanent position. Preference will be given to candidates that wish to make a career out of Great Lakes coastal processes research.
Questions about the position can be directed to the Principal Investigator of the lab: Dr. Ethan Theuerkauf, theuerk5@msu.edu.
Desired Qualifications
The minimum educational qualification for this position is a bachelor’s degree in Geography, Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Marine Science, or related discipline. A master’s degree in these fields is preferred. The successful candidate will also be able to demonstrate field research acumen, attention to detail and organization in data processing and management, ability to conduct independent work, and will possess strong written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate for this position will be expected to lead field missions in a safe and inclusive manner, work independently on research tasks, communicate clearly and effectively with the PI, maintain high data quality standards, and is a positive team-oriented individual who is passionate about coastal geosciences.
The technician must have a valid driver’s license, be able to conduct fieldwork safely in harsh coastal environments (technician will never be asked to conduct fieldwork in unsafe situations), and carry at least 50 pounds of field gear short distances. Overnight travel to field sites will be required for this position. All expenses will be paid for travel when conducting business fieldwork. Demonstrated experience in coastal (or related environmental science field) is required. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
- CV
- A cover letter that addresses your qualifications for the position with specific examples of your field and research skills, ability to conduct independent work, detail to organization and data quality, and writing and oral communication skills
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
www.coastalgeomorphology.com
Summary of Health Risks
Potential sun and heat exposure during outdoor fieldwork. Fieldwork on Great Lakes involves being in boats and near the water.
Summary of Physical Demands
The technician must be able to conduct fieldwork safely in harsh coastal environments (a technician will never be asked to conduct fieldwork in unsafe situations) and carry at least 50 pounds of field gear short distances.
