What are the responsibilities and job description for the Science Field Technician - Summer - UIC Science position at UIC?
Overview
The Science Field Technician performs seasonal and periodic sampling of biological data within the Barrow Environmental Observatory (BEO), while exercising good judgement and decision-making abilities to interpret protocol requirements. Field observations and collection are conducted using approximately 30 different protocols and multiple Standard Operating Procedures with varying schedule requirements based on local ecosystem and current field conditions.
The position works with the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), which is a continental-scale observation facility funded by the National Science Foundation. The NEON program is designed to collect long-term, open access ecological data to better understand how U.S. ecosystems are changing, from freshwater systems such as streams, rivers, and lakes to terrestrial systems spanning tropical forests to deserts to tundra (neonscience.org).
Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Performs scientific field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse assigned biomes, etc.) and work closely with a field partner.
- Follows established, standardized scientific field procedures for sample collection; records data from sample collection in handheld tablets, computers, etc.; and processes samples.
- Records activities and completes work according to field protocol.
- Follows safety policy and procedures.
- Reports issues with implementation of procedures and coordinates resolutions with managers and technicians.
- Assists with routine administrative duties, special projects and other duties as assigned. Carries, moves, and lifts field supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to assigned field site (which involves diverse and uneven terrain).
- Adheres to work schedules that are typically 8-10 hours per day, but can be 12 hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting in the early morning and / or ending in the late evening, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field work to science lab work is about 75% field and 25% office / lab work.
- Attends 2 – 3 weeks of training in Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Ability to begin working in late May / June through the end of August / early September. There is an opportunity to start work as early as April, if interested.
Knowledge and Critical Skills / Expertise :
Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
Qualifications
Required Experience :
Physical Demands :
Environmental Conditions :
Field work may require frequent exposure to biting insects and other natural hazards.
