Multiple Temporary Undergraduate Research Assistant Positions: Field data collection for research on solar-farm siting processes in Michigan
Pay: $15 – $20/hour (based on experience/responsibilities)
Timing: Up to 20 hours/wk, 120 hours total, Spring/Summer 2026
Purpose of the position
The Energy Values Lab in the Department of Community Sustainability (CSUS) at Michigan State University (MSU), led by Doug Bessette, is seeking temporary undergraduate research assistants to assist in field data collection for social science research on solar facility (i.e., “solar farm”) siting processes in Michigan in Spring/Summer 2026.
This Department of Energy-sponsored research project includes collaborators from institutions across the U.S. to examine 10 proposed solar projects to determine how solar siting processes can be accelerated while reducing community burden and enhancing opportunities for deliberation. The research will provide a host of community-centered, supported, and tested strategies, including best practices around community engagement, siting and permitting, and land use decision-making, to inform the build-out of LSS in the U.S.
Duties and responsibilities
Student research assistants will be part of the MSU field team responsible for distributing and collecting surveys at 2-3 proposed solar-project sites in Michigan.
Responsibilities may include:
- Participate in training orientation and team meetings.
- Package survey materials.
- Distribute paper surveys to selected households in 2-3 areas in accordance with research and safety protocols.
- Explain the study’s purpose and participation process to selected community members
- Maintain accurate records of survey drop-offs and online completion.
- Conduct follow-up visits to collect surveys.
- Assist with survey response scanning where needed.
- Represent the research team and MSU professionally.
This position requires onsite work based in East Lansing, MI and travel within ~1 hour of MSU’s campus in Livingston, Ingham and Branch counties in Michigan.
Timing:
Applicant interviews will occur beginning in March. Primary orientation and survey preparation work will begin in April. Primary survey drop-off and pick-up will occur during the last week of May and the first two weeks of June. Typical work hours for fieldwork are 2-4 days total, from 8:00AM-6:00PM Monday through Friday and possibly weekends. Additional work within East Lansing may occur through June.
**There may be an opportunity for survey drop-off and pick-up work to begin in March/early April.**
**Longer-term positions/work potentially available**
Knowledge/Experience required
Must be able to organize work, collect and analyze data, keep records, and make independent decisions. Ability to complete assigned special projects with minimal supervision.
Other required qualifications:
- Availability for all field days.
- Strong communication skills.
- Reliable and high attention to detail.
- CITI Training (can be completed after interview)
- Comfortability interacting with diverse populations.
- Basic data entry and record keeping.
- Strong map reading and navigation skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Recommended previous related coursework in CSUS 259 or CSUS 459.
- Driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Personal vehicle in good working condition.
- Fluent in Spanish.
Location
- East Lansing, MI, MSU, Natural Resource Building Rm 327
Supervisors
- Doug Bessette
- Tyler Swanson (PhD Student in CSUS)
Title of Position:
Student Research Asst I/II
Start Date:
3/25/26
End Date:
6/30/26
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
Up to 20
Number of Openings:
6
Compensation:
$15-$20/hour
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
TO APPLY: Email your Resume/CV and Cover Letter explaining your motivation for applying, your relevant work experience, and your availability, to Professor Bessette at bessett6@msu.edu.
Use the EXACT email subject line: “APPLICATION FOR EVL SOLAR RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION.” Application Deadline: 12:00pm, March 10, 2026.
Energy Values Lab 