Job Description

Research Technician

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Technician 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):

POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise team during field service, including providing transportation to and from the field, providing task guidance, ensuring safety policies are adhered to, and acting as main point of communication between Program Director and field teams.
• 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.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

MINIMUM 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; willingness to use personal vehicle to transport team members and supplies highly preferred. Mileage reimbursement provided.
• 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.

Starting Date: April 2026

Hourly Rate: $16-$20 per hour, depending on education/experience; up to 20 hours per week. This is a temporary position is dependent upon grant contradiction. Please included a resume and names of references.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division:

Generic Division

Primary department:

H6614 - Center Urban Studies

Employment type:

• Temporary Employee
• Job type: Fractional Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Hourly Wage
• Hourly rate: $16-$20
• Salary minimum:
• Salary hire maximum:

Working conditions:

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 4
• 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.

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