Temp/Casual MN Sea Grant Field Technician

Apply for Job Job ID 362048 Location Twin Cities Job Family Supplemental Employee Full / Part Time Full-Time Regular / Temporary Temporary Job Code 0001 Employee Class Civil Service Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

About the Job

Title : Minnesota Sea Grant Field Technician

End date : August 31, 2024

Total hours per week : 40 hours

Job summary

The field research technician will be responsible for assisting with field work sampling fishes and aquatic plants in lakes across Minnesota to understand how invasive cattails affect fish communities and nearshore ecosystems in Minnesota lakes.

Preferred candidates will have previous experience conducting field work in lake ecosystems. The field research technician will work closely with a Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) research fellow and the MNSG extension program leader conducting field work in nearshore lake ecosystems around Minnesota.

This person will interact with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) staff including fisheries managers, biologists, aquatic plant management, and National Park Service biologists.

The technician will frequently interact with other communities including the public and lake association members during day to day field work.

This position will be supervised by the MNSG extension program leader. The technician's day to day work will be overseen by the MNSG research fellow.

Job tasks and essential functions

The field research technician will focus the majority of their efforts on the cattail / fishes project. The field research technician will work in cooperation with other U of MN Sea Grant staff, U of MN graduate students, partner agencies, organizations, and the interested public to accomplish the goals within Minnesota Sea Grant's strategic plan.

The major responsibilities for this position fall under the goal of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture and Healthy Coastal Ecosystems.

Two additional goals in the plan that may be addressed include Resilient Communities and Economies and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development.

The field research technician will work with the MNSG fisheries / aquaculture staff and University of Minnesota graduate students to organize and conduct field work and facilitate data collection.

Responsibilities : The following descriptions are intended to describe the range of activities the field research technician will be involved in.

The actual time spent on each activity may vary depending on project progress.

• Travel to 10+ lake sites across Minnesota throughout the summer, this will require extended periods of travel (at least two weeks at a time).
• Set and retrieve minnow traps to collect and identify wetland fishes daily over a 10 day period at multiple sites.
• Sample fishes using other methods including fyke and trap nets.
• Identify and enumerate wetland plants along transects.
• Identify and enumerate fish species.
• Collect accurate data and record detailed field notes.
• Measure water quality and other physical habitat variables in the field.
• Enter and check data electronically.
• Interact professionally with MNDNR and National Park Service staff and members of the public.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• BA / BS or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years
• Applies knowledge and skill to a recurring task or activity with emphasis typically on precision and timeliness of execution.
• Ability to travel extensively for the duration of the field season (June - August) for up to two weeks at a time
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to collect clear, accurate, legible field notes
• Demonstrated ability working effectively in a team setting with staff, constituents and partners with varying backgrounds, interests, and abilities in an atmosphere of mutual respect
• Organized, responsible, detail oriented, and willing to work as a team member
• Able to conduct fieldwork safely under adverse outdoor conditions (rain, heat, bugs)
• Ability to traverse rugged terrain, over long distances, carrying up to 50lbs
• Valid driver's license and good driving record
• Comfortable working in / around water and canoeing / kayaking / boating to field sites
• Comfortable camping for up to two weeks at some locations
• Willingness and ability to adhere to all University policies and procedures
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.

The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U : http : / / diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here.

Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.

A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).