PHYSICAL SCIENCE (HYDROLOGY) TECHNICIAN
Job Code: 2023-RAP-059
Location: Boulder City
State: Nevada
Program: Research Associate Program
Contract Length: 6 Months
Job Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in Partnership with Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN) is hiring one Physical Science (Hydrology) Technician. MOJN is one of 32 regional networks across the country that collect data on specific natural resources—the plants, animals, water, and ecosystems that can indicate the overall ecological health of our national parks. These data are collected for planning, research, and education, and to help guide decisions related to park resource management. For more information, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/im/mojn/index.htm.
MOJN is seeking an assistant who will participate in monitoring the hydrology and ecology of desert springs across the network. Compared to the surrounding desert, spring and wetland environments in the Mojave and Great Basin regions support a greater abundance and diversity of plant and animal life. Reliable water sources are scarce, so springs are often vital to the distribution and connectivity of wildlife habitat across the landscape. We monitor water availability, water quality, and site condition at springs to identify threats and detect changes in their condition over time.
This position is primarily focused on field work, although office work will also be required. Springs monitoring will be carried out in five national park units: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, and Parashant National Monument. Field work can be strenuous and involve long days on steep terrain. Regular overnight travel and car camping will occur, often in backcountry locations with no amenities. Long drives on highways and unimproved dirt roads are often necessary to access remote sites. Effective communication skills are essential for working on small teams.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Collect and download hydrological and ecological data at desert springs using established procedures (training provided)
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control of data, both in the field and office
- Locate and navigate to field sites using GPS and topo maps
- Hike long distances over rough terrain
- Car camp in primitive conditions
- Drive 4WD vehicles on highways and unimproved dirt roads
- Maintain and disinfect field vehicles, sampling equipment, and camping gear
- Collaborate with MOJN staff on project planning, protocols, logistics, and safety
Contract Timeline:
- Six-month appointment
- Full time (40 hours/week)
- Start date: October 2023
Location:
The duty station for this position is based at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, NV. Boulder City is about 10 miles southeast of Las Vegas, NV. While famous for its neon lights and nightlife, Las Vegas is surrounded by public land on all sides, with Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the west, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area to the south, Red Rock National Conservation Area and Spring Mountain National Forest to the west, and Desert National Wildlife Refuge to the north. Additional parks, monuments, and refuges can be reached within a few hours of driving in any direction. Outdoor recreational opportunities nearby include hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, kayaking, mountain biking, and birding, along with skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Las Vegas offers the amenities of a large city, including dining, entertainment, and retail.
Compensation and Benefits:
- $20 per hour
- $55 field per diem for overnight travel
- Health, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences or engineering
- Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record
- Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day for multiple days on steep or rugged terrain in variable weather conditions
- Ability to car camp for multiple days in remote locations with no amenities
- Ability to operate 4WD vehicles on unimproved and potentially rough dirt roads
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team to accomplish program goals
- Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and colleagues
- Attention to detail and data quality
- Excellent organizational skills
- Must pass a federal background check prior to start date
Preferred Experience:
- Hiking or working in desert environments
- Operating water quality instruments
- Identifying plants of the Mojave or Great Basin regions
- Using Survey123, AGOL, or other GIS software
Other Job Information (if applicable):
EEO Statement
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
