River Ecology Field Technician
Seeking a river ecology field technician to assist a MS student with scientific field research investigating river productivity and trophic relationships in response to river alteration in the upper Colorado River Basin. NOTE: Field sites span tributaries in south-central Utah, western Colorado, and northern New Mexico. Work will be field based with some laboratory responsibilities. Primary tasks include (1) installing and maintaining oxygen sensors in tributaries, (2) sampling benthic algae and macroinvertebrates with a Surber sampler and kick net, (3) seining or electrofishing to capture fish, (4) working in and on the water, and (5) processing macroinvertebrate samples in the lab (in Logan, Utah).
Work hours will be variable and highly dependent on river flow conditions. Overtime may be required in the field. Field hitches will range from 2-8 days at a time with tent camping for lodging. A tent and a food allowance are provided. We will travel to field sites in a university vehicle, and the technician should be comfortable driving for several hours consecutively as field sites are not proximate to each other. The position will begin in mid-July and run through September, with the potential to extend through early December. Dates are subject to change based on weather and spring runoff. Work is based out of Logan, Utah and the technician is responsible for locating housing and transportation to Logan.
Qualifications: Applicant should have or be seeking a degree in a science-related field. Applicant must be able to walk over challenging terrain carrying heavy equipment for short distances (<1 km) and in waist-deep rivers with fast flows (waders are provided). Applicant MUST be able to lift at least 50 lbs to face-level, and should be comfortable working and camping in extreme heat and cold (10-100°F), buggy conditions, flowing water, and driving for long periods of time (up to 7 hours) with one other person and limited cell service. Applicant must have a valid DRIVERS license. Applicant should have excellent communications skills, a positive attitude in adverse conditions, close attention to detail, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Experience with fish sampling, fish identification, invertebrate sampling, invertebrate identification, and working in rivers is preferred. Experience operating 4WD vehicles on rocky, muddy, and icy roads is preferred.
Apply for this job via HANDSHAKE with a cover letter (i.e., letter of interest), resume or CV, and three references (including email addresses and phone numbers).