MSU Listserv

 Student Contractor Statement of Work (telemetry program)



1. Project description



The incumbent will perform field and workshop duties associated with fish telemetry projects in the Lake Huron-to-Lake Erie corridor (HEC) and northern Lake Michigan/Grand Traverse Bay. Current projects are using acoustic telemetry to 1) investigate population-scale habitat use by Lake Sturgeon that spawn in the St. Clair and Detroit rivers and 2) describe population structure and reproductive behavior of Lake Whitefish and Cisco (Lake Herring) in northern Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.



2. Description of Duties and Responsibilities



Principle job duties are to (1) deploy and recover acoustic receivers in the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers, Lake St. Clair, and Lakes Erie, Huron, and Michigan; (2) assist with fish capture and tagging; (3) download acoustic receivers and prepare them for redeployment; (4) maintain and repair field equipment; and (5) prepare/construct rigging and moorings for acoustic receiver deployments.

The incumbent will be expected to perform tasks in the field, laboratory, and office. Field work will involve working aboard small vessels on lakes and rivers and some overnight travel.



The incumbent may also assist with field and laboratory tasks connected to other ongoing research programs at USGS as well as with external partners.

3. Level of knowledge or skills:



Incumbent must have completed high school and

  *   • be currently enrolled in a relevant BS/MSc program (biology, zoology, ecology, fisheries, natural resource management) at a 4-year college or university, OR
  *   • have graduated from a 4-year college or university within 12 months of their contract start date, which is likely to be in March, April, or May 2024.



The incumbent will be supplied with the necessary training to complete all assigned tasks but must demonstrate a willingness/ability to learn and follow instructions.

The incumbent must demonstrate that he/she is responsible and dependable.

Incumbent also must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 75 lbs.

4. Working conditions



Incumbent must be comfortable/willing to work on small vessels in inclement weather including extremes in heat and cold, and occasionally in heavy seas (e.g., wave heights 3-4 ft.). Incumbent will supply his/her own clothing appropriate to the conditions. The project will supply all safety gear (e.g., life jackets) and specialized clothing/equipment (e.g., steel-toed, waterproof boots) necessary for performing field work.



The student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location. The government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Transportation will be provided to and from field investigation sites.



5. Principal duty station:



U.S. Geological Survey-Great Lakes Science Center

1451 Green Rd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48105



6. Further Details and How to Apply



Anticipated start date is sometime between 15th of April and 15th of June 2024, and the term can last up to 1 year. Pay will be $18-22/hr.



Interested applicants should send a cover letter, copy of undergrad/grad transcripts, and resume to Steven Ciaramella at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> by 01 March 2024.