Stage 1: Research Technician

Research technicians work with research assistants, research associates and Burke Center staff to implement laboratory and field protocols and develop environmental management plans and reports to support Burke Center programs. Typical work includes, but is not limited to: collection, analysis, and presentation of field data; and processing of environmental samples.

Minimum qualifications include one year of relevant course work from an accredited institution; interest in field and laboratory; ability follow standard operating procedures.

Stage 2: Research Assistant

Research assistants collaborate with Burke Center staff to coordinate and implement the range of Burke Center programs. Typical work includes, but is not limited to: project planning; collection, analysis, and presentation of field data; processing and analysis of environmental samples; and training and mentoring of research technicians.

Minimum qualifications include two years of relevant course work from an accredited institution; one year of previous experience implementing relevant field or laboratory research protocols; ability follow standard operating procedures; ability to train and mentor research technicians.

Stage 3. Research Associate

Research associates collaborate with the Burke Center staff to design and implement self-directed, applied research projects that support Burke Center programs and the ongoing management of natural resources throughout the north woods. Typical work includes, but is not limited to: experimental and study design; collection, analysis, and presentation of field data; processing and analysis of environmental samples; and training and mentoring of research technicians and assistants.

Minimum qualifications are two years of relevant course work from an accredited institution; two years of previous experience implementing relevant field or laboratory research protocols; one year of experience training and mentoring research technicians and/or assistants, ability to critically analyze and communicate scientific data; ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.

Laboratory work focuses on the analysis of water quality, sediment, and soil samples in the Applied Research and Environmental Laboratory (ARELab) and often includes:

• sample receiving and chain of custody management
• sample filtration and processing
• implementation of Standard Operating Procedures to test for a range of environmental parameters
• instrumental analysis
• data analysis and reporting

Opportunities to engage the public in natural resource issues also occurs as part of field and laboratory projects. Generally, students specialize in one of the Burke Center program areas, but all students are trained across field and laboratory disciplines. Depending on experience, student researchers are hired at three different levels.

Student researchers at the Burke Center are involved in a range of field and laboratory projects related to the assessment and management of natural resources throughout the north woods. Field work often includes:

• collection of water quality samples from streams, lakes, and wetlands
• assessment of aquatic plant communities
• assessment and restoration of physical habitat in streams, rivers and lakes and their associated watersheds
• data analysis, modeling and reporting

For any questions please email the Burke Center at burkecenter@northland.edu.