Ocean Career: Technician in MSU Marine Fisheries Ecology Program

Technician Position

The roles of the technician will fall into four categories. The first category of work involves leading fieldwork, primarily shark bottom longline surveys, throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico. The technician will be responsible for scheduling fieldwork, preparing gear, supervising a field crew, performing shark and fish dissections, collecting biological samples, and recording and entering data. The second category of work involves overseeing various laboratory processing tasks using samples collected during fieldwork.

The third category of work involves conducting science-related Extension, outreach, and/or education events, as well as developing materials to use at these events. The fourth and final category of work involves computer and office tasks such as analyzing data, writing, purchasing supplies, and other related tasks. Travel for fieldwork and Extension/outreach/education events may be necessary.

• M.S. in biological sciences
• Valid driver's license
• Minimum of a 24-month commitment
• Experience leading marine fisheries fieldwork (handling fish, taking samples, and recording data)
• Ability to spend long days on a boat, potentially in extreme weather conditions, including rough seas
• Ability to perform heavy physical work: heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to or heavier than 50 pounds
• Willingness to work on a flexible schedule, which may include occasional weekends, evenings, and holidays

• Organized and able to work independently
• Skilled with computer programs, including Microsoft Office, QGIS, Photoshop, etc.
• Experience processing biological samples in a laboratory setting
• Experience conducting science-related Extension, outreach, and/or education
• Experience analyzing data, preferably using R
• Experience writing peer-reviewed and/or Extension publications

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.