Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. To apply, please complete the application on the U-M Careers site. A one page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that is directly related to this position.
Professor Ivette Perfecto, who oversees the Agroecology Lab, will lead the Field Research Specialist position. The Agroecology Lab is presently engaged in a research project investigating the ecology and ecosystem services of ants in coffee farms in Puerto Rico and Mexico. The role of the Field Research Specialist will involve offering logistical and field research development for this project and serve as the main contact for facility management.
Term Limited Appointment Please note that this position is offered at a 50% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) appointment and is a one-year term-limited position, with the possibility of extension depending on need, performance, and funding.
Conduct ecological field and laboratory experiments. Coordinate data entry and curation of field data. Help with insect identification (mainly ants) and with the preparation of a field identification guide for The Ants of Puerto Rican Coffee Farms. Manage student project field and laboratory experiments. Ensure field location in Utuado, Puerto Rico including the external grounds and laboratory are maintained and accessible for researchers. Distribute mail and conduct inventory of equipment supplies. Supervise the upkeep of the project vehicle, ensuring all necessary paperwork and vehicle code requirements are kept up to date. Establish communication channels with farmers and provide logistical support for farmer's workshops. Prepare project monthly expense reports. Bachelor's degree in related field. 3-5 years experience coordinating field research projects or similar positions that require outdoor skills. Familiarity and knowledge of the ecosystems in Puerto Rico, particularly the central mountain region. Excellent planning, organizational, and coordination skills. Demonstrate flexibility with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a timely manner. Demonstrate proficiency with Windows or Mac OS operating systems, MS Office Products (MS Word, and Excel), Adobe acrobat Pro and Google Tools. Advanced knowledge and proficiency in the Spanish language. Driver's license and ability to drive in mountainous and unpaved terrain. Salary will be determined based on experience. The salary for this role will reflect the 50% FTE commitment and will be prorated accordingly based on the full-time salary range of $44,000-$48,000.
This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.
Work schedule is flexible with up to 20 hours per week. Hours per day may vary based on project needs.
The School for Environment and Sustainability ( is a collaborative and interdisciplinary school. Our mission includes contributing to the protection of environmental resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. We accomplish this by generating and sharing knowledge, contributing to policy and engaging managers and stakeholders. The University of Michigan is a top-ranked public university with excellence in research and teaching. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a town known for arts, culture, parks and restaurants.
SEAS is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment that respects diverse experiences, promotes generous listening and communications, and discourages and restoratively responds to acts of discrimination, harassment, or injustice. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is deeply rooted in our values for a sustainable and just society.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.
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