Position Announcements
Head Technician
POSITION: HEAD TECHNICIAN
DEPARTMENT: Biological Services
GRADE: Negotiable
REPORTS TO: Fisheries Biologist
STATUS: Non-Exempt
TERM: 1 year; February 2013 to February 2014; Flexible start/end dates
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Head Technician will assist with a collaborative research project between Bay Mills Indian Community and Lake Superior State University studying the role of tributaries in Lake Whitefish population and nearshore food web dynamics in Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior, MI. The incumbent will be employed by the Bay Mills Indian Community, but will be based primarily at Lake Superior State University.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Supervise a field crew of 2-3 undergraduate student research assistants.
2. Collect and analyze water samples for dissolved nutrients and collect and prepare seston, periphyton, particulate organic matter, and animal tissue for stable isotope analysis.
3. Deploy and download temperature and water level dataloggers.
4. Collect and identify zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and fish using various sampling equipment (e.g. nets, seines, light trap, ponar).
5. Maintain aquatic sampling gear and safe field and laboratory conditions.
6. Schedule field and laboratory work and communicate regularly with supervisors and other collaborators.
7. Assist with data management (entry, quality assurance, and analysis).
8. Assist with reporting and manuscript preparation (with the opportunity to take the lead on one or more aspects of the study and to prepare a manuscript, as first author, for submission to a quality journal).
9. Must attend all mandatory trainings designated by the Human Resources Department and/or Department Directing.
10. Other duties may be assigned within the scope and complexity of this position’s essential functions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
This position may require working during adverse weather conditions. Fieldwork and/or office duties may require the employee to begin early in the morning and work late into the evenings. Heavy lifting (30 pounds) will be required and the employee should be in good physical condition.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
1. BS or BA in a biological science (e.g. Biology, Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Management, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Water Resources) required.
2. Previous leadership experience required with supervisory or personnel management experience desired.
3. Valid driver’s license with excellent driving record required.
4. Boating experience and ability to swim required. Certification in motor boat operation and safety; experience trailering boats desired.
5. Experience collecting field data for research in aquatic ecosystems required.
6. Experience with data management (MS Excel), quality control, and analysis required.
7. Experience with scientific writing and communication required.
8. Capable of strenuous activity (e.g. lifting 30lbs) and tolerating physically demanding and harsh weather conditions required.
9. Ability and willingness to have a flexible work schedule, including some long days and overnight travel required.
10. Must have excellent past work record and attendance record.
11. Field experience collecting water quality data, macroinvertebrates, and/or fish desired.
12. Fish and macroinvertebrate identification skills desired.
13. Analytical water chemistry experience desired.
14. Familiarity with genetic analysis and/or GIS desired.
15. Strong biostatistics background desired.
16. Preparation of technical reports or scientific publications desired.
17. CPR and First Aid Certification desired.
18. To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each function listed under the essential functions and physical demands categories of this position description.
PREFERENCE: Preference will be given to those of Native American descent.
CLOSING DATE: December 31, 2012 (4:30pm)
APPLY TO: Send Cover Letter, Resume, and References to:
Heather Lyons; Recruiter
Bay Mills Human Resources Department
12124 W. Lakeshore Drive
Brimley, MI 49715
hrleapley@baymills.org
Subject: Head Technician