Description

Position Overview

The Earthquake Field Technician is a part of the Applied Geophysical Research group at the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) - a complex unit with multiple subdisciplines and several specialized collaborative programs. The Earthquake Field Technician is responsible for installing and/or moving and maintaining earthquake stations in the KGS earthquake network, currently consisting of 30 stations across Kansas. In-house training will be provided for operating the necessary machinery and equipment. This position is mostly independent with limited supervision and remote guidance during field work. It requires good communication skills both within the group and with individuals who might be encountered while performing field work. Travel is required and is paid for by KGS, including per diem. Scheduling is flexible, with opportunities for overtime. This is a temporary position that is limited to 999 hours, or one year, whichever comes first. No benefits with temporary positions. $18-22 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience.

Job Description

80% - Earthquake Station Installation/Maintenance:

• Perform regular visits to earthquake stations for equipment installation, upgrade, welfare checks, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance, involving a significant number of self-driven miles in KGS vehicles to potentially remote Kansas locations. Good safety protocols are essential with required compliance.

20% - Mobilization/Demobilization:

• Ensure that inventory of necessary supplies and tools for site installation and maintenance are readily available at all times. Load/unload supplies, tools and equipment. Coordinate with staff and contact landowners for scheduling site visits.

Position Requirements

1. Valid, current, and unrestricted driver's license.
2. Work away from home-base for up to five days at a time.
3. Operate a mini excavator, with in-house training.
4. Work outdoors in year-round Kansas weather conditions for extended periods while performing repetitive and sometimes labor-intensive tasks over periods of several days with or without reasonable accommodation.
5. Work alone in remote settings.

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Demonstrable work experience in a hands-on, outdoor environment as evidenced by application material. For example: farm, construction, fieldwork.
3. Experience with the use of hand tools and minor mechanical repairs as evidenced by application material.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, submit the following documents:

1. Cover letter detailing how the candidate meets the required and preferred qualifications.
2. Resume.
3. Contact information for at least 2 professional references; state the relationship to references. At least one reference must be a past or present supervisor.

Review of applications will begin Monday, July 20, 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, [email protected], 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.