USGS Student Contractor positions - Large Vessel Tech and Data Management

United States Geological Survey - Tunison Laboratory
Oswego, NY

Closing Date: Dec 17, 2025

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

Description

The USGS Great Lakes Science Center’s Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Science (Cortland, NY) and Lake Ontario Biological Stations (Oswego, NY) are hiring up to four full-time (40 hours/week), 12-month Student Contractor positions to assist with fisheries research. We are looking for recently graduated (within the last 12-months) individuals who are excited to work collaboratively as part of a team.

The pay rate is $20.81/hour for candidates with a bachelor’s degree, and $31.52/hour for those with a master’s degree. The start date is February 2026, but other start dates will be considered. These 12-month positions could be extended for an additional year depending on funding (2 years maximum).

1. Large Research Vessel Position, BA/BS (Lake Ontario Biological Station in Oswego, NY):
-This individual will work as part of a team and support research associated with Lake Ontario surveys conducted on the R/V Kaho (70’ vessel) working out of Oswego, NY.
-Requires living and working aboard a rocking vessel for periods of up to 12 days, lifting 50 pounds, and working in adverse weather conditions during the day and night.
-Laboratory work includes fish age interpretation, data management, video habitat characterization and other sample processing.
-Must pass a no-cost pre-employment physical, enroll in a random drug testing program and be able to obtain a passport for work in Canada.
-Field gear is provided, and travel will be paid for.

2. Information Management Position, BS/MS (Lake Ontario Biological Station in Oswego, NY):
-This individual will work with multiple research teams to collate, manage, and publish data associated with long-term surveys and research projects.
-Contribute to ongoing processes that are modernizing field and laboratory data collection and processing.
-Perform reviews of data releases and manuscripts prior to publication.

How to Apply

To apply, send an email to Eric Bruestle (ebruestle@usgs.gov) with the subject line “Student Contractor Position” and attach your resume/CV, unofficial transcripts, and cover letter that identifies which position you prefer. We will begin reviewing applications on 12/17/25 and continue until the position is filled.

Please contact Eric with any questions or for more specifics regarding the Student Contractor positions.

Contact

Eric Bruestle
USGS Lake Ontario Biological Station
eric.bruestle@usgs.gov