Field Research Technician
Kansas Geological Survey, Univ. of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Full-time
Construction / Physical Labor / Skilled Trades
Posted on December 31, 2021
Field Research Technician
Kansas Geological Survey
Position Overview
The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) seeks a Field Research Technician to provide technical field support for KGS scientists and collaboration with outside parties with primary shared responsibilities to drilling, data collection, equipment modification, upkeep, and fabrication. Support includes drilling and sampling operations, borehole/well logging, maintenance and plugging, observation of well installations, water level measurement, seismic/geophysical field support, and earthquake station installation and maintenance.
The person in this position will share responsibilities with another Field Research Technician already on staff. Both positions are required to become proficient drillers operating all the KGS drilling units (wireline coring, auger, sonic). Guidance in achieving this high level of proficiency will be provided by the Senior Field Advisor under the oversight and direct supervision of the Section Lead. With the current level of drilling and sampling undertaken at the KGS, obtaining this training/experience might take several years. During this period and beyond, when not engaged in drilling or sampling activities, a great deal of independence and direction will be provided to become familiar and experienced participating in geophysical surveys, water level measurement projects, instrument installation (e.g. earthquake stations), and fabrication of specialized equipment and tools. Prior experience with drilling or use/maintenance of heavy equipment is expected and required.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KGS at KU is a great place to work! The University actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups.
For more information about the KGS visit our website: http://www.kgs.ku.edu
The person in this position will share responsibilities with another Field Research Technician already on staff. Both positions are required to become proficient drillers operating all the KGS drilling units (wireline coring, auger, sonic). Guidance in achieving this high level of proficiency will be provided by the Senior Field Advisor under the oversight and direct supervision of the Section Lead. With the current level of drilling and sampling undertaken at the KGS, obtaining this training/experience might take several years. During this period and beyond, when not engaged in drilling or sampling activities, a great deal of independence and direction will be provided to become familiar and experienced participating in geophysical surveys, water level measurement projects, instrument installation (e.g. earthquake stations), and fabrication of specialized equipment and tools. Prior experience with drilling or use/maintenance of heavy equipment is expected and required.
KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation earned per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities. KGS at KU is a great place to work! The University actively encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups.
For more information about the KGS visit our website: http://www.kgs.ku.edu
Job Description
70% Drilling and Sampling
- Maintain and expand operational capabilities of KGS drilling, plugging, and logging equipment and techniques with peak efficiency and safety.
- Independently design and complete drilling and/or sampling operations as requested by KGS scientists.
- Manage drill site and assume responsibility for deliverables.
- Assume responsibility for drill site operations, both safety and product quality/quantity.
- Design, fabricate, modify, and maintain specialized equipment for both drilling and geophysical research.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of workload and projects.
- Schedule and execute services in support of scientists throughout the KGS.
- Maintain and record inventory of necessary supplies and tools related to drilling/sampling activities.
15% Geophysical and Water Level Program Technical Support
- Participate in annual water level measurement program and assist with inventory of necessary supplies and tools.
- Participate in geophysical field work as part of the seismic crew and assist with inventory of necessary supplies and tools.
- Provide a range of field support to KGS scientists. Examples include: landowner search, borehole monitoring, borehole logging, utility clearance, and field contractor oversight.
- Assist with acquiring and maintaining a high level of proficiency with DGPS (Digital GPS) survey equipment.
15% Earthquake Research Support
- Provide landowner identifications, contact landowners, and secure permissions as well as routine contact and interaction to maintain high level of awareness and buy in. Coordinate with other staff to ensure inventory of necessary supplies and tools for site installation and maintenance are readily available.
- Perform periodic visits to installation sites for equipment welfare checks, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance, likely involving a significant number of self-driven miles to remote Kansas locations.
Position Requirements
- Valid, current, and unrestricted driver’s license.
- Kansas Class A CDL or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire using KGS vehicles. This CDL position is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing under the authority of the State of Kansas Alcohol and Controlled Substance Program. The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-duty Non-DOT drug test as a condition of employment in this position. Individuals employed in a position requiring a CDL can be selected for random testing during their employment.
- Willingness to travel for around ten days at a time, averaging a total of 50 days per year.
- Perform work outdoors in challenging conditions for extended periods while performing repetitive and labor-intensive tasks over periods of several days.
- Lift and move up to 95 pounds with or without accommodation.
- Work independently and make decisions with remote guidance.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma/GED and five years of combined work experience below OR Associate’s degree with some science, environmental, automotive, hydraulic, welding technology, or related courses and three years of combined work experience below OR Bachelor’s degree in geoscience or related field with one year of work experience below:
- Operation of drilling/sampling units
- Mechanic work (vehicle/equipment repair)
- Metal fabrication (including welding and cutting)
- Heavy equipment operation for farm or construction work
Preferred Qualifications
- College degree in Geoscience, Environmental Science, geoscience-related Engineering, and/or Automotive, Hydraulic, Drilling, or Welding technology.
- Experience with field work, data collection, or sample collection and preparation, especially in the Geoscience or environmental fields (e.g., borehole logging, water level measurement, digital GPS, seismic surveying, etc.)
- Demonstrable work experience at a drilling site (rotary, auger, core, direct-push) and hydraulic systems maintenance and repair.
- Design and fabrication skills with a basic knowledge of shop tools and shop safety as evidenced by academic or work experience.
Additional Candidate Instruction
Complete the University of Kansas Unclassified Professional Staff profile and upload the required material:
- Cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications and position requirements.
- Resume.
- Contact information for three professional references.
KU is an EO/AAE, http://policy.ku.edu/IOA/nondiscrimination
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