Career Center

Temporary Field Assistant and Technician

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

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 nearly immediately, and ending in approximately 15 months. Work for this position will be performed both independently and under direct supervision of a geologist. 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 available):
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 and occasionally conventional seismic data
o Assist geologist with processing core samples at rotary-sonic drilling sites 
o Transport core samples to and from storage facilities 
o Assist geologist with logging and archiving core samples

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 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 with some science courses and two years of relevant academic and work experience may be substituted
• Willingness to learn new geological field and lab skills
• Valid driver’s license  
• Work travel flexibility (Position requires repeated Monday - Friday overnight travel throughout Minnesota).  

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 working outdoors in addition to office setting 
• Experience driving a variety of vehicles, from small sedans to 4wd pickup trucks, for long distances (5+ hours)
• Experience with a handheld GPS or other navigational tools such as a compass and topographic maps
• Willingness to learn to operate a Giddings soil probe
• Familiarity with data entry

• Effective written and verbal communication skills

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities