Annual Technical Support Position (40 hrs)
Assistant Research Technician
A highly motivated individual capable of working both independently and as part of a diverse team is being sought to provide onsite support for the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Climatic and Environmental Change Experiment (SPRUCE) located in the USDA Forest Service's Marcell Experimental Forest in northern Minnesota. The individual will assist with managing and maintaining SPRUCE infrastructure and work with SPRUCE scientific staff to facilitate experimental activities.
Major Duties/Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with the general operations and maintenance of an industrial scale climate change manipulation experiment located near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Activities may include facility, grounds, equipment and instrumentation tracking and maintenance; providing general support for scientific staff; coordinating shipping and receiving for procurements and field supplies; collecting and processing biological data; providing safety oversight; and interacting with visiting members of the general public. Some work at heights (up to 30 feet) and occasional protracted or non-standard hours should be expected due the continuous operation of the experiment. The successful candidate will apply safety related knowledge, skills and practices to everyday work and must show a demonstrated commitment to fostering a safe work environment. Occasional travel will be required to attend safety and technical training.
Required Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a BS/BA in a natural resources, biology or engineering related field. Prior field research experience is desirable but not necessary. Candidate must have excellent communication skills, be dependable, and willing to learn. General knowledge of, or experience with, computer/communications, electrical, electro-mechanical, pressurized gas, refrigeration, and /or plumbing systems is desirable. Some degree of mechanical aptitude and physical fitness is a must. Candidate must be able to perform tasks such as climbing towers, lifting moderately heavy loads and working outside in often inclement conditions. Candidate must hold a current and valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check. A commitment to learning and applying continuous improvement processes to everyday work is a necessity.
The successful candidate will be an employee of Michigan Technological University and have associated benefits commensurate with the position. Salary is negotiable based on experience and education. The position will be reviewed and renewed annually for up to 10 years. Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Please submit a cover letter containing contact information for references and a resume to Evan Kane (eskane@mtu.edu) and Robert Nettles (nettleswr@ornl.gov). Resumes will be evaluated immediately.
Additional Information:
- SPRUCE Experiment: http://mnspruce.ornl.gov
- Environmental Sciences Division's Ecosystem Science Group:
http://www.esd.ornl.gov/ecosystem_science/index.shtml
- Biological and Environmental Sciences Directorate: http://www.ornl.gov/sci/besd/index.shtml
- Marcell Experimental Forest: http://mnspruce.ornl.gov/node/14http://nrs.fs.fed.us/ef/locations/mn/marcell
- Grand Rapids, Minnesota: http://grandrapids.govoffice.com
6. Michigan Technological University Employee Benefits: http://www.mtu.edu/hr/prospective-new/benefits/