Now Hiring: Temporary Field Assistants/Technicians
A graphic that reads, 'We are hiring! Temporary Field Assistants/Technicians'.

The Minnesota Geological Survey (MGS) is seeking to fill a Temporary Field Assistant/Technician position.

This temporary position aides in the production of our geologic maps by assisting geologists with the collection and processing of geologic information in laboratory, field, and office settings.

NOTE: This is a full-time, temporary position lasting approximately 15-18 months.

Pay and Benefits

  • $23.30 per hour - Senior Laboratory Technician
  • Work travel expenses paid
  • Comprehensive University of Minnesota benefits package (see details on the job listing/application website)
  • Position is represented by AFSCME Technical Bargaining Unit

Qualifications

Minimum/Essential Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Willingness to learn new geological field and lab skills
  • Valid driver's license & ability (or willingness to learn) to drive a variety of vehicles including pick-up trucks
  • Work travel flexibility (Position requires repeated Monday-Friday overnight travel throughout Minnesota)
  • Willingness to learn operation of a Giddings soil probe

Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate or Bachelor's Degree with some science courses such as geology, soil science, hydrogeology, physical geography, natural resources, environmental science, or related fields. Two years of work experience in relevant positions may be substituted.
  • Interest in building a solid foundation of applied geologic skills for furtherment of career
  • Interest in working outdoors in addition to office setting
  • Experience &/or comfort with driving for extended periods of time (5+ hours)
  • Experience with a handheld GPS or other navigational tools such as a compass and topographic maps
  • Familiarity with data entry
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills

Example Tasks

Field-based tasks

(Fieldwork is project-dependent and demand varies by season. Fieldwork is typically done in teams of two to ensure safety. Field safety training is provided.)

  • Operate Giddings soil probe to collect subsurface samples
  • Drive a variety of vehicles, from small sedans to 4WD pickup trucks, commonly for long distances (5+ hours)
  • Collect passive seismic data
  • Assist geologist with processing core samples at rotary-sonic drilling sites
  • Transport core samples to and from storage facilities
  • Navigate using a compass and/or GPS unit
  • Hike and potentially camp for bedrock geology fieldwork
  • Paddle, steer, and occasionally portage a canoe

Office-based tasks

  • Discern rock composition using a binocular microscope (grain counts)
  • Assist geologist with logging and archiving core samples
  • Analyze well cuttings
  • Enter data into existing databases, sometimes utilizing Geographic Information Systems
  • Assist geologists in responding to public inquiries regarding rock and mineral identification
  • Occasionally process sediment samples in texture lab, depending on staff availability

 

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