Professional Aide

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

This project is looking to assess site specific angler behaviors, use, and attitudes related to walleye stocking activities through a windshield intercept survey. 

This position is directly supervised by PhD student Gia Haddock and Dr. Emily Pomeranz in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The technicians will travel (in pairs) to study sites, help distribute surveys on car windshields at fishing access sites, approach anglers opportunely for survey recruitment, collect observational data, and maintain passive use monitors. Additionally, the technicians may aid in additional project tasks depending on interest and skill. There is opportunity to explore individual research questions as well.  

We expect our technicians to be reliable, communicative, and respectful of all people. Work schedules will consist of 6 to 8 hour shifts. Technicians will be expected to begin shifts before dawn on some days. Schedules will be developed based on technician availability each season. Once shifts are scheduled, technicians will not be able to request scheduled shifts off unless there are exceptional circumstances.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Typical tasks include but are not limited to: 

• Help with data collection for intercept surveys, collect observational data, and maintain passive use monitors (camera traps and vehicle counters) 
• Being available for at least 6 hour time periods, the earliest starting at dawn and the latest ending at sunset 
• Provide transparent and honest updates/feedback to supervisors on administration and collection of survey data 
• Coordinate with research team members  
• Attend regular meetings with supervisors (Gia Haddock and/or Dr. Pomeranz) 
• Track work hours and submit biweekly timesheets to Dr. Pomeranz for approval 

Required Qualifications 

• Basic knowledge and interest in the social sciences with emphasis on natural resources 
• Be an undergraduate student at Michigan State University at the time of application 
• A friendly and outgoing demeanor for survey administration 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and high standard for work 
• Available for up to 15 hours/week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week in the summer. Work schedule is somewhat flexible 
• Reliable and committed to attending all scheduled shifts 

Start date is flexible, but no later than April 2026. This position will last at through March 2027, with potential to extend. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience as a recreational angler in Michigan 
• Experience with equipment maintenance, specifically passive use monitors (cameras/tubes) a plus 
• Reliable personal transportation 
• Experience in data collection protocols, roving intercept survey experience a plus 

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

1) a current resume/CV;  2) a brief cover letter describing your interest in the position, any experience with social science research, and what you hope to gain from the experience; and 3) at least 2 references.  

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/