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Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.

Unit Position Summary

Purpose: Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in North America due to many ecological changes driving the spread of the blacklegged tick. Michigan is a classic example, where the blacklegged tick has been emerging across the landscape, but where many citizens as well as medical professionals are unaware of the rapidly changing geographic risk of disease. We have the rare opportunity to conduct research to reduce exposure to the Lyme disease tick and other ticks. This technician will assist in research supported by the CDC-funded Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-borne diseases and will be based mainly in Meridian Township. The technician has the opportunity to lead an independent project as well as contribute to the writing of a scientific manuscript.

Technician Duties and Responsibilities:

+ To support developing deer-targeted tick control methods, including capturing fawns, attaching telemetry collars, and conducting radio-telemetry

+ To characterize densities of questing ticks by drag sampling

+ To characterize vegetation, land use and landscape characteristics associated with blacklegged and other tick species.

+ To characterize wildlife species visiting experimental and study sites through camera trap surveillance and if needed, wildlife capture.

+ University owned vehicles and/or personal vehicles may be used for transportation. If a personal vehicle is used, mileage will be reimbursed.

+ Identify collected vectors in laboratory using dissecting microscope and dichotomous keys.

+ Maintain shared databases of field collections.

+ Summarize and communicate results in the form of a scientific manuscript to be submitted for publication

+ Experience sampling for ticks by drag sampling

+ Experience live-capturing fawns

+ Experience using telemetry to track radio-collared deer

+ Experience operating trail cameras, collecting, and organizing trail camera data.

+ Experience live-capturing small mammals

+ Experience identifying common plant species of southern Michigan

Important knowledge, skills, and abilities:

+ Ability to work in harsh weather conditions in remote locations which may include uneven terrain, lack of phone connectivity, exposure to hot/humid temperatures, mosquitoes/ticks, and potentially poisonous plants.

+ Ability to be flexible with type of research activities and scheduling if necessary.

+ Ability to communicate and work effectively with others including fellow workers as well as the public.

+ Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude.

+ Ability to work independently.

+ Ability to work weekends as needed.

+ Ability to pay attention to detail and have excellent eyesight.

+ Ability to drive a vehicle in the state of Michigan.

+ Ability to read and use a map.

+ Ability to use Microsoft Office.

+ Ability to put together a scientific presentation.

Desired Qualifications

Education: Minimum of 48 college-level credits completed is preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

CV/Resume

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5