Wetland Ecology and Restoration Research Technician SR

This Research Technician SR position is in the Wetland Ecology and Restoration Lab (WERL) at USU. We focus on wetland plants, their management and restoration. Our research involves a combination of field research (largely on Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake), greenhouse experiments, and lab-based growth chamber studies. We collaborate with state and federal wetland managers on all of our projects.

The Research Technician will perform technical procedures in a research laboratory and perform field research under minimal supervision by applying standard scientific techniques and analytical principles. The Research Technician will assist researchers in the WERL by performing routine tests, collecting data, setting up and operating equipment, and maintaining various records. Some field days may involve long drives to field sites and long hours. Camping may be involved for field work at more remote sites.

The Research Technician may recruit, train, and oversee student employees and less senior technicians.

• Directs laboratory/field operations including establishing and maintaining schedules, maintaining lab supplies, and overseeing lab organization.
• Sets up laboratory and field equipment and provides all necessary supplies.
• Executes experiment plans and directives per instructions.
• May analyze data and assist with preparing data for publication as directed.
• May support and assist with research activities of students and postdocs.
• Maintains supply inventory including ordering supplies as needed.
• Maintains lab records.
• Provides lab and field safety guidelines to lab students.
  • May oversee students during lab time.
• Ensures that laboratory spaces are clean, organized, and safe.
• Coordinates the repair/maintenance of the lab with outside personnel as needed.
• Ensures that specimens are organized and stored for maximum preservation.
  • Prepares and collects specimens as directed.
• Maintains quality and safety control standards.
• Cleans laboratory and equipment.
• Designs and executes experiments as directed.
  • May assist with interpreting and publishing research experiments as requested.
• May deliver presentations in educational and professional settings.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six years of related experience; or a Bachelor's degree plus two years of experience; or a Masters Degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions.
• Ability to maintain quality and safety control standards.
• Skilled in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory and field protocols and in the safe use of all equipment.
• Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty.
• Ability to maintain records and keep detailed reports.
• Computer skills including spreadsheet and word-processing programs.

Fundamental Abilities

The Research Technician Sr. is expected to possess and demonstrate the following abilities:

• Communicating: Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Problem solving: Analyzes information and evaluates results to select the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitoring: Measures performance of self; makes improvements and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Critical Thinking: Comes to well-reasoned conclusions, solutions, and approaches to problems.
• Team Building: Works to create a team-based environment. Consistently demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, and customers.
• Active Listening: Gives full attention when others are speaking; listens to understand, asks questions as appropriate, and does not interrupt.
• Service Orientation: Actively seeks opportunities to help others.
• Conflict Resolution: Acts professionally when encountering collaborators and students who, at times, may be frustrated.

Core Characteristics

As representatives of Utah State University and primary contributors to its mission, all employees are expected to demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Take initiative.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Be accountable.
• Behave ethically.
• Be honest and trustworthy.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• Be inquisitive.
• Be detail oriented.
• Be self-motivated.
• Efficiently manage multiple tasks.
• Be a team player.
• Be committed to improving USU.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. CV/Resume to be uploaded in the Candidate Profile

2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted into a text box at the end of the application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits

This position requires strenuous physical activity during field work. Employees are exposed to extreme temperatures, bright sun, mud/standing water, mosquitoes, and other insects. Some field days may involve long drives to field sites and long hours. Camping may be involved for field work at more remote sites.

Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 and is honored to be Utah's land-grant and space-grant university. USU is a Carnegie RU/H (Research University/High Research Activity) institution with approximately 27,700 students (24,660 undergraduates and 3,040 graduate students) on the Logan main campus. Utah State's statewide system features eight campuses and 23 education centers and serves all counties in the state with Extension programs. USU offers 114 undergraduate majors, 132 graduate programs, and a variety of innovative stackable associate and certificate credentials. Washington Monthly ranked USU 14th in their national university rankings in 2019 and the 5th best public national university in the nation in 2018. As one of the two premier research institutions in Utah, USU is proud to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price. Additional information about Utah State University can be found here.

A core characteristic of USU is engagement with communities and people in economic development, improvements to quality of life, and human capital. Through the practical application of knowledge, the University and its faculty engage and share expertise with the state, nation, and world, preserving the historical land-grant tradition of partnering with communities to address critical societal issues in the interest of the public good.

The USU main campus is located in beautiful Logan, Utah; a city of about 50,000 situated in a picturesque mountain valley about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains and proximate region.

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU's non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Alison Adams-Perlac, alison.adams-perlac@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Hilary Renshaw, titleix@usu.edu, Old Main Rm. 161, 435-797-1266.

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of EducationOffice of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov

USU is sensitive to the needs of dual career couples and provides a Dual Career Assistance program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment.