Research Operations Mgr - Continental Scientific Drilling Facility

Research Operations Manager at Continental Scientific Drilling Facility (CSD)
Official job title: Research Project Specialist, job code 9742S1

We have 2 (TWO) openings for Research Operations Managers whose duties are designed to fulfill and support the CSD Facility project development and implementation roles, in collaboration with other Facility staff, particularly the Director and Senior Operations Manager. The successful candidates will be dynamic, creative, self-motivated, eager to learn, and prepared to engage with a large and diverse scientific community.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Project development. Translate scientific goals into actionable plans and budgets. Select optimal techniques based on project requirements. Solicit, review, and align bids from commercial contractors and academic facilities. Prepare budgets, justifications, and other documentation for proposals to be submitted to project sponsors. Document and maintain records for vendor capabilities. (50%)
• Operations management. Prepare documentation for operational plans, including contracts, shipments, permit applications, site-specific plans for health, safety, environmental and operations protocols, and others. Maintain, procure, prepare, and ship materials required for project operations. Travel to field sites to manage activities, represent the project team, train and collaborate with participants and contractors to ensure project requirements are met, track on-site activities, consumption of supplies, contractor performance, data collection, and others, and manage budgets and communicate with onsite and remote stakeholders in highly dynamic operational conditions. (30%)
• Infrastructure development. Evaluate tools, equipment, instrumentation, cyberinfrastructure, and other resources for effectiveness and prioritize plans for improvement. Develop specific plans, budgets, and rationale for modifications and acquisitions prioritized, contributing to proposals as needed to obtain funds. Implement developments and integrate them into Facility operations. (10%)
• Support other facility functions in the field, lab, office, and at meetings and conferences as assigned. (10%)

Please contact Anders Noren (noren021@umn.edu) if you have any questions.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field with at least 6 years experience in scientific drilling and/or coring project development and management, including aspects related to techniques, logistics, and/or data management OR advanced degree in Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or a related field with at least 4 years of experience in scientific drilling and/or coring project development and management, including aspects related to techniques, logistics, and/or data management
• Ability to organize tasks, multi-task, and prioritize work to meet deadlines, independently or coordinating group activity.
• Strong organizational skills, strong communication skills, and fluency in English.
• Ability to travel to remote domestic and international locations frequently and for long durations, up to several months per year.
• Ability to obtain driver's license, passport, and international travel visas on a continuing basis.
• Ability to drive vehicles while towing trailers in combinations up to 26,000 pounds gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCWR), and ability to deploy and drive watercraft.
• Proficiency in standard computer operating systems (Windows, Mac) and software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google App Suite).
• Physical requirements: The duties of this position involve fine motor skills for delicate tasks and strenuous physical activity, including lifting and carrying medium to heavy weight objects (50 to 100 pounds), reaching, bending and maintaining balance on a floating boat, platform, or ship; working day or night shift, in confined conditions, exposed to noise, vibration, and adverse weather conditions (temperature extremes, wind, rain, snow).

Preferred

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in geoscience-related field.
• 5 or more years' experience in drilling and/or coring project development and management.
• 5 or more years' experience in open water operations (watercraft, outboard motors, sonar, anchoring, etc.).
• 5 or more years' experience in domestic and international logistics including air and surface import/export; trucking; courier.
• Familiarity with common techniques in scientific drilling and coring, including diamond core drilling, sonic, auger, direct push, mud/air rotary, and soft-sediment coring systems deployed by rod or wire.
• Familiarity with geophysical site and borehole survey techniques including ground penetrating radar, seismic reflection, downhole logging.
• Familiarity with core-based workflows and analyses including handling, splitting/slabbing, scanning, imaging, lithologic description, subsampling.
• Experience operating small engines and hydraulic systems.
• Familiarity with the US Continental Scientific Drilling community.
• Familiarity with National Science Foundation and other funding agency requirements, priorities, and grant management in the university administrative environment.

The Continental Scientific Drilling (CSD) Facility is part of the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences. Funding for the CSD Facility is provided by the National Science Foundation. The CSD Facility provides leadership and services for the communities of scientists requiring drilling, coring, and subsurface surveys and monitoring on Earth's continents, on land and in lakes, serving hundreds of research projects annually.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.