Ecology Field Technician

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:

1. Applicant should have or be seeking a degree in a science-related field such as biology, ecology, chemistry, or fisheries.
2. Applicant must have a valid driver's license to perform essential job responsibilities and must pass a State of Utah driver's exam.
3. Applicant must be able to swim.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience with fish sampling, fish identification, invertebrate sampling, invertebrate identification, data gathering, and working and boating in high-flow rivers is highly preferred.
2. Experience operating 4WD vehicles on rocky, muddy, and icy roads is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. The applicant must be comfortable working and camping in extreme heat and cold (10-100°F), 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.
2. Applicant should have excellent communication skills, close attention to detail, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
3. Applicant must be able to have a positive attitude in adverse and potentially stressful conditions.

Required Documents:

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

2. Cover letter

   t

   o be typed/pasted at the end of your application

3. The names, emails and phone numbers for 3 references to be

   entered into the Reference section.

Document size may not exceed 10 MB.

Advertised Salary:
$14 - $15 per hour ADA:

The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work performed. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).

Outside, employees will not be protected from weather conditions, including extreme cold and extreme heat for extended periods. This position requires considerable physical activity. Employees must have sufficient strength to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position including heavy lifting to face-level (up to 75 lbs.) and/or pushing and pulling of heavy objects. Employees must be prepared to assume uncomfortable positions, such as crawling, kneeling, and squatting. Employees must adhere to safety precautions and may be required to use protective equipment. 

College/Department Highlights:

The S. J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

The Department of Watershed Sciences

University Highlights:

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of

The university provides a

About the Region

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Notice of Non-discrimination:

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity 

Title IX Coordinator

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit 

U.S. Department of Education, 

*updated 09/2023