Biological Technicians (Student Services Contract)


Position: Multiple full-time Biological Technicians under a Student Services Contract
Pay: $20.37–$22.79 per hour, based on education and experience
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen and currently enrolled as a student or have been a student within the past year (365 days).
Duration: 3–6 months (April–September 2025), with potential extensions based on performance, funding, and project needs.
Location: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC), Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, 1574 N 300 E, Chesterton, Indiana 46304


How to Apply
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2025, or until positions are filled.
  • Start Date: Anticipated in April–May 2025 (negotiable).
  • Submit the following to Kasia Przybyla-Kelly at kprzybyla-kelly@usgs.gov:
  • A cover letter
  • A recent resume
  • College transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable for initial submission)
Job Description and Responsibilities
  • Aquatic Research
  • Technicians will work on projects primarily within the Great Lakes basin, focusing on areas such as:
  • Ecology of nuisance algae
  • Population assessment of native and invasive fish species
  • Restoration of aquatic habitats and biological communities
  • Understanding the role of microbes in ecosystem processes
Primary Duties
  • Conduct fieldwork collecting environmental samples (e.g., water, algae, sediment, macroinvertebrates) in freshwater environments.
  • Travel for up to a week at a time with a team to collect samples across the Great Lakes using government-provided vehicles and research vessels.
  • Perform laboratory work, including sample preparation, species identification, microscopy, and DNA-based analyses (e.g., qPCR, high-throughput sequencing).
  • Perform office-based tasks, including data entry, quality assurance, basic data analysis, and report preparation.
  • Assist with peer-reviewed manuscript preparation.
Physical Demands
  • Fieldwork involves outdoor activities in variable weather conditions, often around or on water, and may require waders or life jackets.
  • Some fieldwork involves work on research vessels, including exposure to waves and slippery surfaces.
  • Laboratory and office work involve extended periods of sitting or standing.
Qualifications Required:
  • General field survey experience (minimum of 6 months) OR
  • Completion of at least one semester of post-high school education, including at least 6 semester hours in biological, chemical, physical sciences, engineering, or mathematics.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
  • Familiarity with aseptic laboratory techniques and safety protocols.
  • Experience handling biological samples and working with DNA-based methods.

Working Conditions
  • Safety Training: Provided for all field and laboratory activities.
  • Field Gear: Life jackets, waders, lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses provided.
  • Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with no overtime pay. Weekend work may occasionally be required, compensated at the regular hourly rate.
  • Holidays: Federal holidays are unpaid.
Compensation Details
  • Hourly Rate: $20.37–$22.79 depending on education and experience.
  • Tax Responsibilities: Independent contractors are responsible for paying applicable taxes. A 1099 form will be issued.
  • Registration: Selected candidates must register in the System for Award Management (SAM). Guidance will be provided.