Description

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic researcher to contribute to and lead field-based research on a variety of projects funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State of Kansas, and other private industry/non-profits.

Anticipated types of field research will include characterization of soil hydrological processes in agricultural regions, installation and maintenance of environmental sensors, assessing surface water and groundwater quantity/quality, and contributing to other projects as needed. When not in the field, the researcher will also be responsible for data organization and management, maintenance and organization of field equipment, and processing samples in the laboratory.

The ideal candidate will have experience and enthusiasm for field-based environmental research, strong organizational abilities, and an ability to work independently and collaboratively. This position will require regular (approximately monthly) overnight travel around the state of Kansas and beyond.

Job Description

30% - Provide support to KGS Geohydrology staff in field work related to water, agriculture, hydrogeology, and other research topics. Acquire data and samples, independently perform quality-control assessment and preliminary interpretation of data from the field and hydrologic sensor network, process samples in a laboratory setting when needed, and assist in the presentation of project results.

25% - Coordinate fieldwork in consultation with KGS scientists, staff, and external collaborators. Assist in the planning and coordination of field work, develop plans related to field installation and data acquisition, and organize/maintain necessary field instrumentation.

25% - Provide technical assistance for Geohydrology research instrumentation. Acquire, design, deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot research instrumentation and equipment independently, sometimes with little to no direct supervision. Define user protocols for field and laboratory equipment. Assist in the preparation of specifications for equipment purchases. Maintain familiarity with literature regarding recent developments in relevant field techniques.

10% - Acquire and process datasets with relevance to ongoing field investigations, to both guide and contextualize field work operations.

10% - Assist in miscellaneous field, research, outreach, and service activities for the KGS as appropriate.

Position Requirements

1. Physical ability to work outdoors in all Kansas weather conditions, including lifting heavy items up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation and carrying large or bulky items in rough or uneven terrain to access field sites.
2. Ability to be away from home base for several days and occasionally for longer periods depending on project needs.
3. Valid driver's license.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience or B.S. degree in natural science or engineering with an emphasis on a topic such as hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental science, soil science, ecology, agronomy, or similar.
2. Experience with field work related to environmental science research investigations, including instrumentation and equipment setup and maintenance, data and sample acquisition, and processing of acquired data as evidenced by application material.
3. Strong organizational skills, as reflected by past class or work experience that involved making progress on multiple tasks concurrently as evidenced by application material.

Additional Candidate Instruction

To be considered for this position, upload the following information:

• PDF cover letter (max 2 pages) indicating how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• PDF document (max 1 page) with responses to three short-answer questions:
  • (<150 words) What are you really good at professionally, academically, and/or technically? List 3 items with a brief example for each to put things in context.
  • (<150 words) What are you not good at or would like to improve academically, professionally, or technically? List 3 items. To help frame your answers, consider what past bosses, supervisors, or teachers might answer when we contact references.
  • (<150 words) Is there anything else that we should know about you that you would like to share?
• Full CV/resume.
• Contact information for 3 references (email address and phone number).
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, 5/11/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.