LEO Research Technician (Oracle, AZ)
Posting Number: req22008
Department: Biosphere 2
Location: Outside of Tucson
Address: 32540 S Biosphere Rd, Oracle, AZ 85623 USA
Position Highlights
Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona is in search of a LEO Research Technician. We are searching for a dynamic and dedicated Research Technician to join our team of interdisciplinary scientists, technicians, engineers, and research staff. The technician will play a key role in preparing LEO to the next stage, to put "Life on LEO". The duty post for this position is Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona. The Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) at Biosphere 2 is the world's largest laboratory experiment in the interdisciplinary Earth sciences and it is Biosphere 2's flagship research experiment. The experiment bridges hydrology, ecology, geochemistry, and microbiology across interdisciplinary research landscape and cohort. This technician position will help the LEO team on current projects, day to day operations, and technology advancement for future projects on LEO.Biosphere 2 advances our understanding of natural and human-made ecosystems through integrated research that drives the discovery and development of interventions that increase the resilience and sustainability of Earth systems and human quality of life. We advance research in our unique facilities, conduct interdisciplinary science education, and foster leadership initiatives focused on developing scalable solutions for our planet and beyond.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Duties & responsibilities:
- Assist with daily LEO operations and maintenance during experimental and non-experimental periods.
- Collect,
process, and inventory water samples for transportation and data entry,
ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with protocols. - Operate
and maintain laboratory instruments to analyze water and gas samples,
focusing on stable isotope concentrations in ecological research.
Responsibilities include sample preparation, troubleshooting equipment,
and performing routine maintenance. - Participate
in industrial climbing activities with the LEO climbing team to
install, service, and maintain remote sensing instruments and a network
of atmospheric sensors in various locations. This may require extended
time at heights and in uncomfortable environments. Prior climbing
experience, working at heights, and strong physical fitness required. - Conduct
laboratory tasks such as filtration, acid washing, sample splitting,
and equipment cleaning to support research objectives as needed. - Additional duties may be assigned.
Knowledge, skills & abilities:
- Understanding of laboratory and fieldwork practices.
- Familiarity with tools, design, mechanical repairs, and hands-on work.
- Awareness of protocols for water sample collection, processing, and inventory.
- Strong organizational skills and disciplined work ethic.
- Effective problem-solving and adaptability in diverse situations.
- Ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory instruments.
- Physical fitness and prior experience with industrial climbing and working at heights.
- Capacity to lift up to 75 pounds and work in challenging physical environments.
- Comfort with extended time at heights and in various outdoor conditions.
- Ability
to work a flexible weekly schedule including working a combination of
day, evening and overnight shifts on a regular basis as required. May
require work on holiday and weekends as needed by the facility. - Strong
work ethic, excels as both a team player and an independent
contributor, possesses outstanding organizational skills, and shows a
genuine enthusiasm for learning and growing in the role. - Self-motivation and eagerness to learn and grow within the role.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- Prior experience in a laboratory and/or field work.
- Hands-on experience with tools, design, building and mechanical repairs
- Experience with Windows and MSO365
- Coding experience
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Category: Research
Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: $18.15 - $22.69 per hour
Compensation Type: hourly rate
Grade
4
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Grade Range Minimum
$18.15
Grade Range Midpoint
$22.69
Grade Range Maximum
$27.23
Career Stream and Level
OC3
Job Family
Research & Lab
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies: 1
Contact Information for Candidates
Aaron Bugaj, Bugaja@arizona.edu, 5206212958
Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
