Professional Aide

This is a temporary or on-call position providing professional support in general business, science, medical, agricultural, or other professional areas.

About the role

Seeking a research technician to assist a graduate student with fisheries research at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Hammond Bay Biological Station (HBBS) in Millersburg, Michigan from roughly mid-October to mid-December 2026 (flexible start and end dates, weather dependent). This position involves setting up and conducting behavioral experiments on adult cisco (Coregonus artedi) to test their responses to different odor cues. The majority of work will occur between 4 PM and 12 AM. Experiments will take place indoors in a laboratory at HBBS.

Housing near HBBS is provided.

Responsibilities

• Set up and conduct behavioral experiments on adult cisco to test responses to odor cues
• Operate truck and trailer to transport water tanks between Jordan River National Fish Hatchery and Hammond Bay Biological Station
• Work primarily between 4 PM and 12 AM, with variable workdays including weekends

Requirements

• Valid US driver’s license
• Comfortable driving an MSU work truck and trailer
• Comfortable living in a rural/remote area and driving in winter weather
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs

Qualifications

• Experience working in a hatchery or caring for fish (desired)

Schedule

• Temporary position: two 9-month terms with a week break in service between terms and a 3-month termination period after the second term, or switch to on-call
• On-call: allowed to work up to 1,039 hours in any 12-month period
• 8-hour workdays, 40 hours per week
• Non-standard hours (vary by day) and variable workdays (includes weekends)