USGS Student Contractor positions: Biological Technicians

US Geological Survey - Great Lakes Science Center
Ann Arbor, MI or Chesterton, IN

Closing Date: Jan 15, 2026

Web Address: https://www.usgs.gov/centers/great-lakes-science-center

Description

Duties: Field work will consist of sample collection (e.g., water, soil/sediment, sand, algae, and invertebrates) in a variety of freshwater environments in the Great Lakes basin. Candidates should be comfortable working in and around water. Sampling along multiple Great Lakes will include traveling up to a week with a team in government provided vehicle to collect environmental samples (e.g., algae, water, macroinvertebrates) from a research vessel. Laboratory work will involve sample processing, recording specimen characteristics, species identifications and measurements, microscopy, and preparing samples for a range of chemical, microbiological, and DNA-based endpoints. Candidates should be familiar with laboratory procedures, such as aseptic techniques, handling of biological samples, and safety protocols; additional training will be provided after hiring. Personnel will also conduct work in office setting, including data entry, data quality assurance, and some data analysis.

Physical demands: Field work is generally performed outdoors in aquatic environments and involves exposure to the discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, and waves on occasions; field work may include work onboard boats, slippery surfaces, rocking motions on research vessels and long hours of travel in a government provided vehicle to study sites. Special safety precautions are required (e.g., wearing a life jacket or waders for some activities). Applicant should have a valid driver’s license. Laboratory and office work generally involve extended periods of sitting or standing. In the laboratory, the technicians work in close contact with freshwater shellfish. This position occasionally requires weekend work.

Qualifications

General field survey experience (6 months), OR college work related to field of employment, including one semester of post-high school education from an accredited college, junior college, or technical institute, which included at least 6 semester/14 quarter hours of coursework in biological, chemical, or physical sciences, engineering, or any branch of mathematics.
For full job announcement, please contact kprzybyla-kelly@usgs.gov

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their application via email to Kasia Przybyla-Kelly: kprzybyla-kelly@usgs.gov, including: cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript(s) named as: Lastname_resume; Lastname_coverletter; Lastname_transcript, and preferred location in the subject line: Chesterton or Ann Arbor. Applications are accepted until January 15, 2026, or until filled. Start dates are around March-April but are negotiable.

Term: 3-9 months, March – November 2026, with options for extension (2 years maximum), subject to performance and funding. Must be US citizen and enrolled as a student or have been a student within 365 days of the contract.

Locations: USGS, GLSC, Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, 1574 N 300 E, Chesterton, Indiana 46304 OR USGS, GLSC, 1451 Green Rd. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

Compensation: Student contractors are not considered Federal Employees. The candidate will be hired as an independent contractor and will be responsible for payment of all federal, state or local taxes, and will be required to register in SAM. Compensation is approximately $20.51 - $23.25/hr. depending on education level, experience and location of employment (Chesterton or Ann Arbor). Work is unavailable during federal holidays. The student does not receive premium pay for work beyond 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week or on weekends.

Contact

Kasia Przybyla-Kelly
USGS Great Lakes Science Center
kprzybyla-kelly@usgs.gov