Senior Laboratory Technician - MN Geological Survey

Temporary Field Assistant and Technician

** THIS IS A TEMPORARY 15-18 MONTH POSITION **

Salary: $23.30/hourly Senior Laboratory Technician

Work schedule/hours: M-F 8:00AM - 4:30 PM (exclusive of field work)

Position is represented by AFSCME Technical Bargaining Unit.

Overview:
The MGS is seeking a highly motivated individual to bring their unique experience and perspective to our community. This entry level position focuses on aiding in the production of our geologic maps by assisting geologists with the collection and processing of geologic information in laboratory, field, and office settings. This position is temporary, beginning late May/early June 2026, and ending in approximately 15 months. Work for this position will be performed both independently and under direct supervision of a geologist. Daily work schedules can vary greatly depending on the time of year, which can be broadly divided into the field season (June-January) and off season (January-June). During the field season it is common to be completing any of the field-based tasks below during day and overnight trips. During the field season it is also typical to spend 2 weeks out of the month doing overnight work outside of the Twin Cities area.

Please note, this is an entry level position and on-the-job training will be provided for all duties listed below. MGS works with the University of Minnesota's Disability Resource Center to improve access for all employees. Previous experience with all listed field or office duties is not required. The duties of the field technician may include but are not limited to the below list.

Field-based tasks ~50% of time (*Fieldwork is project-dependent, and demand varies by season. Fieldwork is typically done in teams of two to ensure safety. Field safety training is provided):
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 seismic data
o Assist geologist with processing core samples at rotary-sonic drilling sites
o Transport core samples to and from storage facilities
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: ~50% of time
o Discern rock composition using a binocular microscope (grain counts)
o Assist geologist with logging and archiving core samples
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.
* Willingness to learn new geological field and lab skills.
* Valid driver's license & ability (or willingness to learn) to drive a variety of vehicles including
pick-up trucks.
* Work travel flexibility (Position requires repeated Monday - Friday overnight travel throughout
Minnesota).
* Willingness to learn operation of a Giddings soil probe.

Preferred Qualifications:
* Associate or Bachelor'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 building a solid foundation of applied geologic skills for furtherment of career.
* Interest in working outdoors in addition to the office setting.
* Experience &/or comfort with driving for extended periods of time (5+ hrs).
* Experience with a handheld GPS or other navigational tools such as a compass and topographic maps.
* Familiarity with data entry.
* Effective written and verbal communication skills.

The Minnesota Geological Survey is a research and service arm of the Newton Horace Winchell School of Earth Sciences at the University of Minnesota. It investigates the geology of Minnesota and provides basic public information on the geology of the state. The Survey works with state, county, and regional offices to set up geologic data bases and provide technical guidance for water resource planning, land management and mineral exploration policy, energy system development, and other planning and resource management activities.

We are an off-campus location on Territorial Road., St. Paul (near Hwy 280 and University Ave.)

Fixed Pay Rate: $23.30 per hour

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications due by March 31, 2026

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).