Ecology Field Technician

Requisition ID: 2024-7621

of Openings: 4

Location: US-UT-Logan

Category: Research (non-Faculty)

Position Type: Non-benefited (hourly) Part-Time

Job Classification: Non-Benefited

College: Quinney College of Natural Resourcs

Department: Watershed Sciences

Advertised Salary: $14 - $15 per hour

Overview

Seeking an ecology field technician to assist USU students with scientific field research investigating river productivity and trophic relationships in response to river alteration in the upper Colorado River Basin. Field sites span tributaries in south-central Utah, western Colorado, and northern New Mexico. Work will be field based with some laboratory responsibilities. 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 while on field campaigns. A crew of at least two 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.

Responsibilities

Primary tasks include:

• Installing and maintaining oxygen sensors in tributaries

• Sampling benthic algae and macroinvertebrates with a Surber sampler and kick net

• Seining or electrofishing to capture fish

• Walking in and navigating streams

• Processing macroinvertebrate samples in the lab

   

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicant should have or be seeking a degree in a science-related field such as biology, ecology, chemistry, or fisheries.

• Applicant must have a valid driver's license to perform essential job responsibilities and must pass a State of Utah driver's exam.

• Applicant must be able to swim.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with fish sampling, fish identification, invertebrate sampling, invertebrate identification, data gathering, and working and boating in high-flow rivers is highly preferred.

• Experience operating 4WD vehicles on rocky, muddy, and icy roads is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The applicant must be comfortable working and camping in extreme heat and cold (10-100F), buggy conditions, fast-flowing water, and driving for long periods of time (up to 7 hours) with one other person and limited or no cellular phone service.

• Applicant should have excellent communication skills, close attention to detail, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Applicant must be able to have a positive attitude in adverse and potentially stressful conditions.

   

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"

• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

• The names, emails and phone numbers for 3... For full info follow application link.

   

USU recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the university's academic mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. USU is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any of its programs and activities based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity/expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or local, state, or federal law (https://equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination).