What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Technician position at William & Mary?
Position Information
Position Number
00587V
Position Title
Research Technician
Employment Category
Full Time Operational
Location
VIMS - Gloucester
Department
1N1100 Natural Resources
Unit Mission Statement
Mission Statement (Overview describes mission of the unit or organization; and why it is exists or its purpose)
The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service.
VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of:
1.Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities.
2.Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture.
3.Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change.
The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service.
VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of:
1.Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities.
2.Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture.
3.Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change.
Position Summary
The Research Technician will be responsible for working on a diversity of research projects conducted by the Multispecies Research Group (MRG) in the Section for Natural Resources. This position will work on the MRG’s Chesapeake Bay Multispecies Monitoring and Assessment Program Trawl Survey, as well as several other long-term monitoring surveys the MRG conducts annually.
The Research Technician will be expected to participate in field-based research sampling and monitoring efforts, as well as assist with laboratory-based processing of fish hard parts for age determination and fish stomachs for diet analysis. This position will be expected to work well as part of a large team of employees across several research projects. Field-based sampling will occur on state and commercial vessels, while field data will be collected via a variety of automated data collection equipment and software, Fisheries Environment for Electronic Data (FEED).
Research Technicians perform a variety of routine, technical, and administrative responsibilities in support of research at the institute. They perform duties such as the following: collecting specimens, preparing materials, and operate specialized lab equipment.
Assist in preparation for field work and participate in field activities. Under supervision, Research Technicians provide administrative research support such as data integrity and collection of data resources. They may work independently or as a member of a team.
They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Technicians typically report to a program manager or director or may report to a senior level researcher.
The Research Technician role is most often the entry point to the Research job family or may be a utilized for graduate interns or summer workers.
The Research Technician will be expected to participate in field-based research sampling and monitoring efforts, as well as assist with laboratory-based processing of fish hard parts for age determination and fish stomachs for diet analysis. This position will be expected to work well as part of a large team of employees across several research projects. Field-based sampling will occur on state and commercial vessels, while field data will be collected via a variety of automated data collection equipment and software, Fisheries Environment for Electronic Data (FEED).
Research Technicians perform a variety of routine, technical, and administrative responsibilities in support of research at the institute. They perform duties such as the following: collecting specimens, preparing materials, and operate specialized lab equipment.
Assist in preparation for field work and participate in field activities. Under supervision, Research Technicians provide administrative research support such as data integrity and collection of data resources. They may work independently or as a member of a team.
They work under general supervision, resolving most standard issues independently and referring complex issues to an upper-level manager. Technicians typically report to a program manager or director or may report to a senior level researcher.
The Research Technician role is most often the entry point to the Research job family or may be a utilized for graduate interns or summer workers.
Conditions of Employment
- This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and university policy. This position is subject to overtime during field operations to include evenings, weekends and holidays as required.
- Ability to lift 60lb baskets of fishes repeatedly over a 12 to 16 hour work day.
- Ability to successfully perform duties, often under adverse conditions (heavy seas, precipitation, high winds), for multiple weeks at a time, while resisting or successfully working through motion sickness.
- Ability to pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise upon employment.
Essential Designation
No
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Restricted?
Yes, the appointment is limited due to funding availability
Position Term
12 month - Continuing
Position Months
Faculty or Staff: 12 month
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Some knowledge of basic lab safety.
- Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision.
- Ability to follow written and oral directions.
- Ability to maintain records, record data legibly, and conduct data entry with a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environment.
- Ability to travel, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated knowledge of sanitation techniques and laboratory & field work safety.
- Demonstrated knowledge of research and testing procedures and techniques.
- Ability to prepare samples and perform standard or routine lab testing.
- Demonstrated skills in operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
- Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines or under minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail in collection and entry of data.
- Ability to maintain records and record test results to a high degree of accuracy.
- Proficiency in a variety of software applications to include MS office with the ability to record data.
- Ability to successfully complete tasks in outdoor environment, as applicable.
Is the position remote work eligible?
Not eligible
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Advertised Pay Range
Up to $34,500
Advertised Pay Range Statement
All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.
University Salary Range
U05
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Job Open Date
02/26/2025
Review Begin Date
Job Close Date
03/19/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Application Instructions
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Salary : $34,500
