Research Technician (Climate-Related Projects)

Research Technician (Climate-Related Projects)

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Technician (Climate-Related Projects) at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

• Schedule, organize, and lead home-based interventions, including the installation of rain barrels, rain gardens, and community gardens across targeted neighborhoods.
• Administer resident surveys to assess perceptions, needs, and impacts related to climate adaptation and urban environmental health.
• Deliver public education via canvassing and outreach presentations to residents on climate change, green infrastructure, and healthy home practices.
• Set up passive air sample badges to test for indoor air pollutants, review results with participating residents and identify possible sources of pollutants within the home.
• Install and maintain indoor and outdoor air monitors, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers.
• Collect, manage, and analyze data from fieldwork and community engagement to inform ongoing evaluation and reporting.
• Support community-based climate change hazard mitigation effort, including preparation of materials for community distribution.
• Communicate reliably, clearly, and effectively with project team members and community partners.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or working towards a degree) is preferred.
• Experience working within Detroit neighborhoods or similar communities.
• Comfortable with hands-on installation and fieldwork, including lifting 50 pounds and other physical demands such as standing, bending, lifting, and pulling.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Access to consistent and reliable transportation.
• Working knowledge of Climate Change and urban impacts of Climate Change preferred.
• Background in environmental science, biological science, environmental stewardship, green infrastructure, ecology, the climate crisis, or ecological awareness is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Google products (Drive, Sheets, Docs, Forms, Calendar, etc.).
• Must be confident communicating through virtual channels with team members and others.
• Must be self-motivated and able to initiate and complete tasks independently; strong organizational and problem-resolution skills; detail-oriented.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines.
• Interest in climate change, environmental sciences, ecological stewardship, and environmental justice strongly preferred.

School/College/Division:

H32 - Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Primary department:

H6614 - Center Urban Studies (H6614)

Employment type:

• Temporary Employee
• Job type: Fractional Time
• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Hourly Wage
• Hourly rate:
• Salary minimum: $14.00 per hour
• Salary hire maximum: $16.00 per hour

Working conditions:

Office environment.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No
• Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
• Prior posting/requisition number:

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.