Laboratory & Field Technician

The University of Toledo•Toledo, OH

3d•$42,000 - $47,000•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 100% external-fund supported position with funds from the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The person in this position will conduct collection and sampling trips on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways, with a primary focus on the collection of invasive grass carp. Responsibilities include processing biological samples on boats and in the laboratory, and regularly using software such as Excel, Access, and R, which requires prior knowledge of common data storage and analysis software.

Requirements

BS in Environmental or Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Fisheries, or related field.
Valid US driver’s license and ability to drive University of Toledo’s vehicles.
Experience sampling Great Lakes, connected waterway, or large rivers.
Ability to manage sampling trips independently without the presence of the PI.
Ability to make a series of decisions on each sampling trip based on understanding of the scientific goals of the project and experience with weather and water conditions in the Great Lakes.
Knowledge of fisheries or limnology.
Ability to collect and analyze samples.
Experience in the operation and data processing from standard fisheries and limnological gear.
Knowledge of standard data storage and analysis packages and fish ecology are required (Excel, Access, R, or SAS).
Scientific education and experience to make day-to-day decisions about the implementation of an existing study design.
Experience and comfort presenting and discussing results and conclusions of data collection and analysis to scientific audiences.
Ability to work well as a team member, sometimes under uncomfortable field conditions (e.g., cold, heat, rain).
Ability to lift sampling gear weighing up to 80lbs with assistance from another crew member.
Overnight travel will be required for sampling.
Data management in Excel, Access and basic statistical software (e.g. R or SAS).
Ability to make on-the-ground decisions in the field without immediate input from supervisor.

Nice To Haves

MS or relevant professional experience preferred.
Knowledge of basic fish ecology, limnology, and Great Lakes science.
Experience working with or for state natural resources agencies is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Conduct collection trips on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways.
Conduct sampling trips on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways, focusing on invasive grass carp.
Process biological samples on boats and in the laboratory.
Regularly use software requiring knowledge of common data storage and analysis software (e.g., Excel, Access, R).
Manage and direct field activities on a day-to-day basis in collaboration with seasonal employees and other agencies.
Operate and process data from standard fisheries and limnological gear.
Make day-to-day decisions about the implementation of an existing study design.
Present and discuss results and conclusions of data collection and analysis to scientific audiences.
Work as a team member, sometimes under uncomfortable field conditions (e.g., cold, heat, rain).
Lift sampling gear weighing up to 80lbs with assistance from another crew member.
Perform duties in the laboratory with occasional supervision.
Carry out duties, seeking input from the PI or agency collaborator only when new situations arise that are outside of her/his experience or educational background.
Communicate basic scientific results to scientific colleagues and lay audiences, including presenting posters and talks at conferences and meetings, and contributing to manuscripts.