Toolik Temporary Research Technician Pool - Summer 2027

The Institute of Arctic Biology is on the lookout for enthusiastic seasonal staff at Toolik Field Station to support daily camp operations, maintenance, environmental monitoring, and research logistics. Positions require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, changing field environment.

If you’re excited about Arctic science and hands-on work in a remote research setting, this is an opportunity to be part of the day-to-day operations at Toolik Field Station. We’re looking for individuals who are comfortable working outdoors for long days in variable Arctic weather, can navigate tundra terrain safely, and bring a positive, adaptable attitude to a small, collaborative station community. This role supports ongoing research and station operations, requiring attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions, and a strong sense of responsibility when collecting, handling, or supporting scientific data and field activities. Experience working or living in remote field camps, including shared facilities and limited amenities, is highly valued.

To be successful in this position, candidates should have relevant experience in the sciences, polar fieldwork, or one of the many trades practiced at Toolik including cooking, vehicle & facility maintenance, emergency medicine, & polar operations. Familiarity with Arctic or tundra ecosystems, ecological monitoring, or research logistics is a strong plus. We also value individuals who are comfortable managing practical field tasks, adapting to changing priorities, and supporting researchers in a dynamic, weather-dependent environment. Basic computer skills, including spreadsheet use and data organization, are required. If you enjoy meaningful work that directly supports Arctic research and field science, this role offers a unique and rewarding experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work full-time in a remote Arctic field station environment for the duration of the seasonal appointment

• Demonstrated reliability, good judgment, and strong communication skills

• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 50 lbs, walking on uneven tundra terrain, and working outdoors in variable weather

• Willingness to work a six-day schedule with occasional extended or flexible hours

• Basic computer skills (data entry, tracking documents, email communication)

• Ability to follow instructions, complete task lists, and adapt to changing priorities

• Positive attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a small, close-knit team

• Good Standing Driver's License

Role-specific experience may include (depending on assignment):

• Facilities, vehicle, or equipment maintenance

• Field science or environmental monitoring

• GIS, GPS, UAS (drone), or data management experience

• Logistics, cleaning, and support operations in a remote field camp or polar station

• Cooking in a remote environment 

• Mechanical, fabrication, or technical repair skills

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddah campus in Fairbanks. This is a non-exempt temporary staff position  New hires will be placed on the UA Temporary Staff Salary Schedule, and their Grade will be subject to each job group to be hired,based on education and experience.

This is a pooled position and applications are reviewed as needed. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Marin Kuizenga, Toolik Hiring Manager, at mckuizenga@alaska.edu.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance with this application or at any stage of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.