Geology Senior Lab Technician

About the Job

A Temp/Casual employee is needed to organize, catalogue, digitize, and curate the sample collection at NRRI. This project is funded by the National Geological and Geophysical Database Preservation Program (NGGDPP) of the US Geological Survey. The employee is expected to carry out assigned tasks, to practice core values of the institute and to follow proper safety guidelines.

Work will involve moving rock samples and boxes, some of which could be up to 40 lbs. in weight. Tools such as a geological hammer, and rock saw could be needed. Some of the work will be in the lab and in external storage compartments. Working in confined spaces and in dusty environments could be needed.

Job Duties

• Catalogue, organize and store boxes and specimens of rocks, drill cores, thin sections, powdered rocks, and glacial sediments. (30%)
• Digitize and update the existing sample catalogue. (20%)
• Identification of rocks in hand samples and microscopes. (10%)
• Take photographs and photomicrographs of samples. (10%)
• Collect and incorporate new samples for use and storage. (10%)
• Engage with existing workers to establish priorities. (10%)
• Occasional day trips to external labs and sample storage locations could be needed. (10%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• B.S degree in geology or a related field,
• Training in Mineralogy, and Petrology,
• Experience in the inspection and identification of minerals and rocks in hand samples and under microscope,
• Experience in working with drill-core samples,
• Ability to work with digital databases, such as Microsoft Excel, and Google Docs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in geology of the Lake Superior Region

• Experience with banded iron formations and related rocks

• Proficiency in GIS database software such as Arc-GIS.

• Experience with working and preparing samples in analytical labs

About the Department

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment, and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship. With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water, and mineral resources:

• Applied Ecology and Resource Management

• Minerals and Metallurgy

• Materials and Bioeconomy

• Data Collection and Delivery

• Commercialization Services

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 be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and 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.

You are required to attach a Cover letter and Resume.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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, 2022).