Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

The Professional Aide supports the operational, administrative, and technical needs of the Midland St. Andrews facility, helping ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations and timely response to facility-related issues. This role requires strong collaboration, organizational skills, familiarity with basic maintenance processes, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Work is performed both independently and in partnership with MSU St. Andrews team members.

This temporary on‑call position (up to 19 hours per week, on-site) engages with internal partners—including MSU St. Andrews staff, Finance, HR, the Axia Institute, MSU Extension, and 4H—as well as external stakeholders such as contractors, neighboring facilities, MSU Police, and the Midland Fire Department. The role reports to the Associate Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Administration - 25%

• Coordinate and support event planning and execution 

• Co-facilitate the Summer Research Program, contributing to program delivery and participant engagement 

• Conduct building tours for visitors, guests, or new staff 

• Participate in management and leadership development training 

• Serve as a member of search committees for new staff recruitment 

Facility Operations and Maintenance - 20%

• Oversee maintenance and refurbishment of building equipment and site infrastructure 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for facility-related concerns and issues 

• Manage and coordinate all contractual work associated with the facility 

• Collaborate with MSU Police to ensure security and safety protocols 

• Partner with scientific staff to support the design and construction of specialized research apparatuses 

• Perform routine pest control to maintain a safe and sanitary environment 

Renovation and Construction - 10%

• Replace carpeting 

• Lay vinyl flooring 

• Painting 

• Perform electrical tasks 

• Construct walls/hand doors 

Finance - 25%

• Manage invoicing for contract research activities 

• Develop and maintain project documentation (PDs) for contract research 

• Prepare and monitor budgets associated with contractual agreements 

• Conduct square footage analysis to support financial planning and space utilization 

• Collaborate with MSU Lansing Finance on budgeting, reporting, and financial compliance 

• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and financial efficiency opportunities 

• Process billing and invoices related to facility operations 

• Monitor, purchase, update annual asset report 

Information Technology Support - 5%

• Collaborate with MSU IT to configure and maintain internet access points 

• Assist staff with ordering or directing the purchase of compliant software solutions 

• Coordinate with MSU IT to troubleshoot and resolve on-site internet connectivity issues 

Shipping - 15%

• Hazardous waste handling in compliance with safety and regulatory standards 
• Coordinate the shipment of research samples on behalf of scientific staff 
• Collaborate with logistics teams to manage and support international shipments

Technical Skills: Proficiency with use of a computer, hand tools, power tools, packaging equipment, scientific equipment, MS Office suite. 

Education: Knowledge normally acquired in the first two or three years in college, technical or vocational school in digital/analog electronics and instrumentation. 

Experience: Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible and expansive work experience in design and fabrication of analog and digital circuits, electro-mechanical components and vacuum systems; sophisticated scientific instrumentation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Certifications: Certifications required for hazardous waste management and shipping.   

Working Conditions: Requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, standing for extended periods, significant physical effort required in this role for renovation and construction as needed throughout the facility.  

Desired Qualifications

Soft Skills: Collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, multitasking, prioritization, motivation, time management.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please submit resume. 

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Website

https://standrews.msu.edu/

Summary of Health Risks

This position will require handling of hazardous waste, ensuring it is handled in compliance with safety and regulatory standards, requiring proper use of PPE. 

Summary of Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to move around the facility, standing, sitting, bending and the ability to lift up to 100 pounds. There is access to machine lift assistance when required.