Position Title:Aquatics and Wetlands Technician – Temporary
Appointment Type:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Ability to read, write, and follow instructions; U.S. Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or closely related field
Experience conducting field measurements and sampling in aquatic systems.
Job Description:
This entry-level position requires some professional and technical skills while working under general supervision. The chosen candidate will assist with field data collection and water-quality sample collection, and laboratory processing for a large-scale limnological survey aimed at assessing the water quality of Iowa’s lakes. Work will be conducted in both field and laboratory settings. The successful applicant will receive on-the-job training.
The successful applicant will:
+ Be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
+ Be able to follow strict protocols and pay close attention to details.
+ Be willing to work in both field and laboratory settings.
+ Have strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
+ Be willing to work with flexible weekly schedules.
+ Be willing to learn how to tow trailers and operate small, motorized boats.
General Position Responsibilities:
+ Travel to various lakes across Iowa to collect water-quality samples, with the possibility of collecting samples and data at additional non-lake monitoring sites.
+ Deploy and operate water-quality sampling equipment, including boats, trailers, YSI Sondes, Wisconsin Nets, automated samplers, Secchi disks, water-level data loggers, and flow meters.
+ Record field data and collect water quality samples for laboratory analysis.
+ Assist with the maintenance and preparation of equipment in both laboratory and field settings.
+ Will work up to 40 hours per week. The number of hours worked each day may vary.
+ A significant number of assigned hours will be spent in an outdoor setting.
Field Day Details:
+ Sampling days typically start around 6 AM and could last 10 to 12 hours.
+ A significant amount of time will be spent driving to and from sampling sites using University-owned vehicles.
+ Work will be performed in teams of two or more.
+ Non-field Day Details:
+ Work will be performed mostly in a laboratory setting and will include, among other duties, equipment maintenance and calibration, laboratory upkeep, and equipment preparation.
+ The number of non-field days and hours in a given week will vary depending on project needs.
Proposed Start Date:March 16, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
Time Type:Part time
Pay Grade:P&S Temporary
Application Instructions:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum VitaeIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Original Posting Date: February 18, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R18658
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If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
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