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

Work alongside U.S. Geological Survey Lake Erie Biological station biologists and technicians on large research vessels to maintain acoustic telemetry equipment for Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System projects, with a focus on projects related to invasive grass carp.

Opportunity to participate in USGS fishery independent surveys (e.g., trawl, hydroacoustic) to provide information in support of Lake Erie fisheries management. Will also participate in the analysis and interpretation of acoustic telemetry data generated from grass carp tagging. 

Duty location for the position will be the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Lake Erie Biological Station.  Incumbent will work with USGS biologists and technicians to deploy, retrieve, and maintain acoustic telemetry receivers in Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Detroit River, St. Clair River, and Lake Erie tributaries for Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System projects, with an emphasis on projects focused on invasive grass carp or species that may serve as surrogates for grass carp.  Incumbent will lead/assist in conducting range and/or drift studies for determining detection distances for receivers and positioning accuracy of VPS arrays.  Incumbent will also assist USGS biologists and technicians in the collection of biological data and samples while onboard large research vessels using trawls, gill nets, plankton nets, water quality measurement devices, and hydroacoustic sampling gears.  As needed, incumbent will collect biological data and samples at sampling tributaries in Lake Erie, and perform laboratory analysis of biological samples for taxonomic identification, fish stomach content, age estimation, benthic sample, and stable isotope sample.  

The incumbent will participate as a crewmember on USGS large research vessels.   In accordance with USGS Large Vessel Safety Program policies (SM-445-2-H, Chapter 49), the incumbent will be required to: 1) pass a pre-employment medical evaluation and 2) be enrolled in a random drug-testing program.  Field work on large research vessels is conducted in all weather conditions; therefore, the incumbent must not be prone to debilitating sea sickness.  Laboratory work is generally performed indoors seated in front of a microscope or computer. 

Overnight travel for field work will occur approximately 1 week per month.  The incumbent must have a valid current U.S. passport, and must not be under any restrictions for travel to Canada.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working/conducting research large research vessels and maintenance of acoustic telemetry receivers.  Experience supporting grass carp research projects. 

9 months field party experience OR 3 years sub-professional experience OR 3 years college study related to biology plus 3 months lab or field work experience.  Satisfactory completion of a field course in biology may be substituted for the 3 months of field and/or laboratory experience. 

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

Letter of application including description of background, skills, interests, and relevant experience; resume/CV; name and contact information for 3 professional references

Special Instructions

Position contact: Dr. Scott Colborne; 734-545-3922; colborne@msu.edu

Work Hours

(typically 8 am to 5 pm; when working on vessels start time may be as early as 6 am and end time may be as late as 8 pm; occasionally may need to serve on bridge-watch during the night as directed by the Captain/USCG licensed operator)

Website

canr.msu.edu/qfc

Summary of Health Risks

Work with unfixed animal tissue.

Summary of Physical Demands

Physical intensive job, lifting up to 45lbs, carrying, push pulling; cables, nets and hoses