Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $21-23/hr

See full details at https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-water-monitoring-lead-three-rivers-california/1326887205

Working cooperatively with the National Park Service’s Sierra Nevada Network (SIEN), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting to hire a Water Monitoring Lead to join our Research Associate (RA) program. The SIEN Inventory and Monitoring program monitors mountain lakes, wetlands, and rivers throughout Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Devils Postpile National Monument. SIEN field crews sample for and collect data on key ecological indicators, including water chemistry and amphibians (lakes), hydrology, vegetation, and invertebrates (wetlands), and hydrology and water temperature (rivers). Information from these projects is used to track status and trends in lake, wetland, and river ecosystems, provide data-driven information that informs park management decisions, identify areas of management concern, and evaluate effectiveness of and inform environmental policies that protect park resources. The position will have a lead role in field operations and data management that will span three aforementioned monitoring projects: wetlands, lakes, and river monitoring. 

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Clean, correct, and QC continuous water datasets including wetland well data (primary duty) and river temperature data (secondary duty).
  • Document data management procedures.
  • Plan and prepare for lake and wetland field seasons, which includes hiring, planning field tours, coordinating logistics, preparing sampling gear, and assisting with training.
  • Lead field crews: The position will lead field operations for 2-3 crew(s) that will conduct field work in wetlands and lakes throughout the wilderness of Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and Devils Postpile.
  • Opportunity to participate in a national Inventory and Monitoring Division Aquatics Working Group that is focused on managing and analyzing water data across national parks.

The Water Monitoring Lead position requires arduous backpacking in remote wilderness for up to 9 days at a time. The work involves a mix of office (October-May) and field (June-September) time. SIEN offices are in the Sierra Nevada foothills, near the town of Three Rivers, CA. Typically, the foothill climate includes mild winters (lows in the 30s and highs in the 60/70s) and hot summers with temperatures often over 100 degrees. The field work involves large amounts of time outside under a variety of conditions, including high elevations (over 10,000 feet). Mountain weather is highly variable, including the potential for snowstorms in the middle of summer. Much of the field season will be spent camping in remote locations in wilderness. Sites are located in remote mountain areas and require backpacking with heavy packs for up to 9 days at a time and often off-trail. In contrast, office work will involve extensive time sitting and working at a computer.

Timeline, Schedule, Duty Schedule:

  • Timeline: 52-week appointment beginning November 01, 2021 (with some flexibility) and upon completion of DOI Background Investigation.
    • Schedule: Winter: Monday-Friday 40 hours/week; Summer (field): typically work 8-10 days straight (8-10 hours/day)
  • Duty Station: Sequoia National Park, Three Rivers, CA (potential for remote work for first few months of position)

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Wage: $21.00/hour to $23.00/hour, depending on experience
  • Benefits:
    • Health Insurance (medical, dental, and vision) available at no cost
    • Fully vested 401(k) retirement plan with 4% employer match
  • Camping Per Diem: $20/day (when applicable)
  • Paid leave (vacation and sick) and federal holidays

Qualifications and Experience ($21.00/hour):

  • Bachelor’s degree in physical, chemical, biological, or ecological sciences. 
  • Experience following standardized field and data protocols.
  • Experience and ability to hike by foot in the backcountry at high altitude (>7,000 ft elevation) for extended periods of time while carrying backpacks, tools, and supplies of at least 45 lbs, and be able to camp for several days at a time.
  • Experience working as a field crew lead.
  • Experience conducting water quality sampling.
  • Experience managing and/or analyzing datasets; experience with continuous water or climate data and/or large, complex datasets (desired).
  • Ability to focus on tedious data cleaning and QC tasks.
  • Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused on accomplishing mutual goals and communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.
  • High level of computer literacy (e.g., databases, spread sheets, GIS)
  • Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads.
  • Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection, as well as to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;

In addition to meeting all of the qualifications above, the successful applicant will also possess:

  • Master’s degree in physical, chemical, biological, or ecological sciences.
    and/or
  • Experience leading and planning scientific field projects in mountainous terrain.

The successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online portal:

https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=CONSBOARD&req=2021-RAP-075 

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.