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The USGS is seeking student help in its laboratory in Boulder for full-time work this summer continuing part-time next school year. This is a great opportunity to gain experience working in a research lab. Please see the job description below:

1. Types of Services Required:

Student shall be expected to perform or assist with daily laboratory functions, including any of the following:  sample intake; sample preparation for mineralogical and other analytical methods; laboratory housekeeping; operate laboratory instrumentation; assists scientists / supervisor with experiments; operates computers and laboratory software programs to store, retrieve, edit, update, manipulate, graph and analyze recorded data or standard databases; checks the quality of data produced using standard techniques and brings potential problems to the attention of the supervisor / laboratory manager.  Work shall be conducted at the USGS laboratories, with the occasional need for field investigations.

2. Required expertise/skills:

Student contractor shall have the knowledge of theories, principles, practices and techniques of geology, chemistry, and/or engineering (as would be obtained through a Bachelor’s Degree) to aid in the proper interpretation of scientific and technical data.  Included in this would be the knowledge of the quality management system used by the USGS to collect geochemical data to the highest level of quality control.  The contractor must possess the skill in using analytical instrumentation in the laboratory, and of writing clear presentations of scientific data.  The student must be a licensed driver, as operation of Government vehicles may be required.

3. Description of Working Conditions:

The work is primarily performed in a chemistry and mineralogy laboratory.  Safety apparel is required daily, including personal protective equipment, which is provided by the laboratory.  The student contractor will regularly handle chemicals including strong acids and bases, as well as some solids containing toxic metals.  The student contractor will be trained and will properly dispose of hazardous waste in the laboratory.  Core hours shall typically be 7am to 7pm, and work days are generally 8 hours long.  Work is physically demanding and includes long periods of standing; walking, bending, climbing and lifting of equipment up to 50 pounds. Duties in the laboratory require good manual dexterity.  Work performed in the office is sedentary.

Student contractor may be required to travel overnight for the purpose of helping with field work.  Field work is performed outdoors, in a field setting involving exposure to a range of weather and temperature conditions.  Field work will be performed in teams with an experienced team leader.  Considerable walking, climbing over rough terrain and uneven slopes, may be required.  Student is responsible for all costs of transportation to and from the principal duty station location (Boulder, CO). 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 site(s). Meals/cost of food while on travel away from the principal duty station at field investigation sites will be provided by the USGS in the same manner as for federal employees, in accordance with the Government Travel Regulations. The position is a contract position, and not a federal government position.

4.  Compensation:

$15.21-$17.08 per hour, depending upon experience (inquire for details)

5.  Principal Duty Station:

Boulder, Colorado (east campus of University of Colorado)

6.  Other Information:

Hours worked can vary depending on student’s and supervisor’s schedules, but the laboratory is seeking a student who is willing to work several hours per week during the regular school semester and full time in the summer.

Application Deadline:  ASAP

Start Date:  May or June 2019, depending on arrangement agreed to by supervisor and employee.

Hours/week (approximate):  up to 40 hours/week for the summer, and part time during the school semesters.

Send resume and unofficial transcript to: 

Tyler Kane

U.S. Geological Survey

3215 Marine St. STE E-127

Boulder, CO, 80303

or by e-mail to tkane@usgs.gov.  

Resume should consist of a one or two page resume or statement of qualifications including:  full legal name; mailing address; telephone number; e-mail address; date of birth; citizenship (if not a U.S. citizen, immigration/VISA status); education, including descriptions of relevant classes and GPA; work or volunteer experience related to the scientific field; laboratory work experience.  Please also include your major and expected graduation date.