Temporary Field Assistant and Technician 

** THIS IS A TEMPORARY 2-9 MONTH POSITION **

Salary: $22.51/hourly

Work Schedule:  M-F; 8:00AM-4:30PM (exclusive of field work)

⢠        Field-based tasks  ~75% of time (*Fieldwork is project-dependent, and demand will be high. Fieldwork is typically done in teams of two to ensure safety. Field safety training is available):
o        Operate Giddings soil probe to collect subsurface samples
o        Drive a variety of vehicles, from small sedans to 4wd pickup trucks, commonly for long distances for 5+ hours
o        Collect passive and occasionally conventional seismic data
o        Assist geologist with processing core samples at rotary-sonic drilling sites
o        Transport core samples to and from storage facilities
o        Assist geologist with logging and archiving core samples
o        Navigate using a compass and or GPS unit
o        Hike and potentially camp for bedrock geology fieldwork
o        Paddle, steer, and occasionally portage a canoe


⢠       Office and Laboratory-based tasks: ~25% of time
o        Discern rock composition using a binocular microscope (grain counts)
o        Analyze well cuttings
o        Enter data into existing databases, sometimes utilizing Geographic Information Systems
o        Assist geologists in responding to public inquiries regarding rock and mineral identification
o        Occasionally process sediment samples in texture lab, depending on staff availability

* The Minnesota Geological Survey retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
 

Minimum/Essential Qualifications:

⢠       High school diploma or equivalent  with some science courses and two years of experience in relevant academic and work experience may be substituted. 
⢠       Willingness to learn new geological field and lab skills
⢠       Valid driverâ™s license 
⢠       Work travel flexibility (Position requires repeated Monday - Friday overnight travel throughout Minnesota). 


Preferred Qualifications:
⢠       Associate or Bachelorâ™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 working outdoors in addition to office setting
⢠       Experience driving a variety of vehicles, from small sedans to 4wd pickup trucks, for long distances (5+ hours)
⢠       Experience with a handheld GPS or other navigational tools such as a compass and topographic maps
⢠       Willingness to learn to operate a Giddings soil probe
⢠       Familiarity with data entry
⢠       Effective written and verbal communication skills

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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