Purpose of position (Describe expected outcomes or goals of the position.):
Provide field and lab support for research on the ecohydrologic impacts of disturbances, plant invasions, and/or fire on vegetation, soils, and hydrology and erosion processes.
Duties and responsibilities (include the approximate amount of time likely to be spent on each if field work.):
Under direction of a Research Hydrologist, candidates will participate, as part of a team, in a suite of research activities including field work, lab processing of field collected water and sediment samples, data management, and maintenance of research equipment. Field work may include, but is not limited to, hydrologic experiments (rainfall simulations, infiltrometers) and vegetation and soil measurements in remote locations under potentially extreme climate conditions as typical of the desert Southwest and surrounding mountain ranges. Lab processing of field samples may include storage and documentation of field collected samples and lab processing of runoff, erosion, and soil samples. Data management/analysis may include data entry and archival of field data sheets or electronic-based data. The primary responsibility will be field data collection (80%) and therefore travel to field sites will be required. Field work will consist of long hours (10 hr/day) and may require heavy lifting and hauling of field equipment over uneven terrain. Field travel may be for periods of up to 8 consecutive days and may include camping or overnight stays in USDA or other field facilities. Daily food per diem while in the field will be included with paycheck. Equipment maintenance (15%) will be conducted with assistance from Research Hydrologist. Lab work and data management (5%) will be limited mainly to archival of field datasheets and samples between field stints.
Minimum qualifications (Education, skills and experience that candidates MUST possess in order to be considered for the position.):
Undergraduate coursework or experience leading to understanding of basic hydrologic and erosion processes. Must be willing and able to travel and work in the field under adverse conditions for at least 8-10 hrs per day over 4 to 8 consecutive day periods. Must possess valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle within the State of Arizona.
Preferred qualifications (Education, skills and experience that the “ideal” candidate would possess.):
In addition to above, desired qualifications include: 1) experience conducting hydrology field experiments, 2) rangeland plant identification/classification, or principles of rangeland ecology knowledge, 3) experience identifying, classifying, or field mapping rangeland vegetation/soils, 4) experience driving 4WD vehicles and towing trailers on remote, rough rangeland roads, and 4) experience maintaining field hydrologic equipment/instruments.
