Aquatic Ecology Research Assistant

Eastern Kentucky University; Richmond; On-site; CAD 24,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Eastern Kentucky University is seeking an undergraduate student researcher to assist with aquatic ecology projects on the Richmond Campus. You will perform hands-on field and lab tasks, including fish collection, macroinvertebrate work, and stream habitat assessments, with training provided as needed.

The role emphasizes careful data management, safety outdoors in varying conditions, and the ability to work independently within a research-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Responsible, punctual, and able to follow protocols precisely.
• Interest in ecology, conservation, or fish and wildlife management.
• Must be enrolled at EKU.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
• Funding source: Institutional.
• Open Until Filled: No.

Responsibilities

• Collecting and managing data
• Proper handling of animals to minimize stress and mortality
• Maintaining accurate and efficient record keeping

Skills

Detail-oriented

Organized

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate student in a relevant scientific discipline

Enrollment at EKU

Tools

Seines

Backpack electrofishing

Job description

Title: Aquatic Ecology Research Assistant

Position Type: Student

Search Type: External - minimum 7 days

Department: 21R000 - Science, Tech, Engineering & Math

Division: 2R0000 - Academic Affairs

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: Driver

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Hours Per Week: 10

Contact Person: [e-mail]

The Department of Biological Sciences is seeking a motivated and reliable undergraduate student researcher to assist with aquatic ecology research. This position involves hands-on field and laboratory tasks such as fish collection and identification using seines and backpack electrofishing, macroinvertebrate sampling and identification, and stream habitat assessment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and capable of working independently in a research-focused environment. Must be able to work safely outdoors in warm or cold conditions, lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and carry up to 25 lbs. Prior field and lab experience is a plus but not required; training will be provided. There will be some travel to visit field sites < 2hrs away. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in gaining practical experience in a research setting. Flexible hours available during the academic year.

Key Responsibilities

• Collecting and managing data
• Proper handling of animals to minimize stress and mortality
• Maintaining accurate and efficient record keeping

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a relevant scientific discipline
• Responsible, punctual, and able to follow protocols precisely
• Interest in ecology, conservation, or fish and wildlife management

Minimum Qualifications

Licensure & Certifications: Must be enrolled at EKU.

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source: Institutional

Open Until Filled: No

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Advertised: 28 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time