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Pay Grade/Pay Range: The rate of pay is to be determined by the employer.

Department/Organization: This position reports to an off-campus employer.

Normal Work Schedule: Flexible/Varies; Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: To apply, email the following to dbussan@usgs.gov with the subject line: “Student Assistant - Market Research & Guest Services”

• Résumé
• Class schedule for the current semester
• Portfolio samples (PDF or link required)
• A brief statement (3–5 sentences) describing your interest in design and visual communications

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, and interviews will be scheduled immediately upon receipt of qualified applications.

Applications submitted through the UA Student Jobsite will not be reviewed.

Job Summary: The Student Assistant for Market Research & Guest Services supports business operations, market research, tours, and front desk activities for the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), part of the U.S. Geological Survey. Conducts basic market and competitor research on scientific instrumentation, vendors, and hydrologic technology trends. Prepares concise summaries, spreadsheets, and briefings for leadership using Excel, PowerPoint, and online research tools. Assists with marketing/outreach materials and basic business analytics. Greets visitors and helping lead or support guided tours of the HIF facility. Learns and communicates key talking points about HIF’s mission, equipment labs, and partnerships with UA and USGS. Supports VIP visits, faculty tours, and student group visits. Serves as a professional first point of contact at the front desk for guests, vendors, and callers. Maintains visitor sign-in logs, visitor badges, and conference room schedules. Assists with basic office tasks such as printing, organizing materials, and scheduling support.

Additional Department Summary: This position is located at the U.S. Geological Survey – Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), 27 Kirkbride Lane Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.

The Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility is a national USGS center dedicated to hydrologic technology, training, and water science innovation. The HIF develops, tests, calibrates, rents, and supplies hydrologic equipment used across the United States and provides hands-on training for federal and state water-science professionals. Working at the HIF gives students first-hand exposure to national water science operations, advanced instrumentation labs, and a federal research environment.

The student will gain hands-on experience in market research, business operations, customer service, public engagement, and daily administrative work inside a national scientific organization. Training will be provided on HIF operations, tour content, visitor engagement, and office procedures.

Continued employment may be available in future semesters based on performance and business needs.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Current UA student in good academic standing (any major welcome). Openness to learn about market research, tours, front desk operations, and the mission of the Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Professional, friendly demeanor with comfort interacting with visitors and partners. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and handle multiple tasks. Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain a consistent weekly schedule.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for extended periods. Occasional walking to escort visitors through the facility during tours. Occasional standing while greeting guests or assisting with events. Ability to lift and carry light materials (up to approximately 20–25 lbs.), such as handouts, supplies, or signage. Typical indoor office and lab-adjacent environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Interest in learning about business operations, analytics, technology, or hydrologic/engineering concepts (no prior experience required). Experience in customer service, front desk work, giving tours, or public-facing roles. Experience conducting online research or preparing summaries/spreadsheets. Comfortable speaking to small groups and explaining information. Familiarity with data tracking tools or organizational software is a plus but not required.

Off-Campus Position Disclaimers: This position is an off-campus employment opportunity. The HR Office of Student Employment makes no particular recommendations regarding off-campus employers and makes no representations or guarantees about positions posted. The HR Office of Student Employment is not responsible for the safety, wages, working conditions, or other aspects of off-campus employment. Applicants are urged to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment. This position reports to an off-campus employer – U.S. Geological Survey’s Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility. Final candidates may be subject to a thorough background check by employer prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases.  More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.