Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Technician - Duluth, United States - University of Minnesota

Description

About the Job

Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Technician

Summary:
The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking an Environmental Chemistry Laboratory Technician to join our team and support applied research to address growing concern around emerging contaminants. We are an interdisciplinary group of research staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students with backgrounds in chemistry and engineering and a shared passion for the environment.
Topics of ongoing research within the laboratory include bench-scale evaluation of adsorption-based technologies for removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from stormwater and groundwater, field evaluation of biochar-amended filtration systems for removal of pesticides from stormwater, and assessment of legacy and emerging
contaminants in sediments of the Great Lakes. The Laboratory Technician will work closely with research staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers to provide laboratory and administrative support, and may also participate in field work as necessary, including shipboard work on the Great Lakes.

Bargaining Unit consideration begins on May 14, 2024 and ends May21, 2024.
This position is 100% time, 12 month appt M-F 8am-4:30pm with some room for flexibility
The pay rate range for this position starts at $21.63/hr and depends on qualifications

Please note that NRRI cannot offer visa sponsorship for entry-level positions.

Essential Functions:
1. Laboratory support (50%): Perform routine water and sediment extraction procedures according to Standard Operating Procedures. Assist with experimental tasks evaluating water treatment processes, including packing columns, collecting and preparing samples. Operate routine laboratory equipment including balances, pH meters, and centrifuges. Maintain detailed records of laboratory activities and prepare summary data reports.

2. Laboratory upkeep (20%): Cleaning glassware and lab spaces, monitoring waste storage areas, submitting waste for disposal, monitoring and updating supply inventories.

3. Administrative support (20%), including purchasing, tracking expenses, maintaining electronic records of written laboratory notes.

4. Field work (10%): Assist with field work as necessary, including collection of water and sediment samples and maintaining records of field notes.

Qualifications

Education:
Required: High school diploma or GED with some science courses
Preferred: Associate's or vocational/technical school degree Environmental Science or similar field.
Bachelor's degree Environmental Science or similar field.

Work Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years of experience required to effectively perform the position's responsibilities. Experience may substitute for some of the above education.

Required work experience:

• High school degree or equivalent plus two years of related education or experience.
• Completion of post-secondary coursework in General Chemistry.
• Hands-on skills in basic chemistry and/or water quality laboratory techniques (e.g., extraction, chromatography, spectroscopy, titrations, etc.), demonstrated through practical laboratory coursework and/or work experience.
• Focus and attention to detail to carry out routine and repetitive laboratory tasks on time and with good precision.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Effective oral and written communication in English.
• Valid U.S. driver's license and clean driving record.
  

Preferred work experience:

• Postsecondary degree with a specialization in Environmental Science or similar field.
• Completion of coursework in Environmental Chemistry and/or Quantitative Analysis.
• Experience performing independent research in a laboratory setting, including summer research experiences, research internships, or hourly work in a research laboratory.
• Experience with sample preparation and instrumental techniques in quantitative analytical chemistry, particularly related to environmental samples.
• Problem-solving and hands-on mechanical skills that can be related to building, maintaining, and troubleshooting experimental apparatuses.
• Basic skills in programming and/or numerical computing software (e.g., R Studio, Matlab, Python, etc.).
• Ability to work outdoors during adverse weather conditions (e.g., collection of stormwater runoff, shipboard sample collection and sediment processing).
• Ability to drive vehicle with a trailer attached.
  

Physical/Environmental Demands:
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and be able stand for long periods of time. The primary duties of this position will involve working in the lab with chemicals. The position may also occasionally require working in the field.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

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

How To Apply

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 or call

Diversity

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:

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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,