Description: The Great Basin Institute, in partnership with the BLM Battle Mountain District (BMD), is recruiting an experience Hydrologists to work as part of an inter-disciplinary field team. The team will work to complete riparian stream (lotic) and spring/seep/meadow (lentic) riparian functioning condition assessments, general surface water inventories and watershed monitoring. Information collected will be used to maintain, restore, and/or improve riparian resource values to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. Specific tasks will include: Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) assessment of lotic/lentic habitats and Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) on lotic sites; Providing Rosgen channel type descriptions and expertise on hydrologic and geomorphic processes concerning lotic/lentic functioning condition, stream erosion, and runoff. Conducting vegetation utilization monitoring and line-point intercept on riparian-wetland sites. Inventory and locating surface waters sites using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and inputs data collected into the BMD geographical information system (GIS). Conducting qualitative stream surveys using procedures outlined in BLM Manuals, including evaluation and measurement of habitat parameters such as streambank cover, stability, stream width/depth ratio, channel morphology characteristics, stream substrates, and water quality.
Compensation and Timeline: o Rate of Pay: $16.00/hour o May/June 2011 September 2011, potential for extension pending funding and positive performance review o Full time, 40 hours per week (overtime may be required occasionally) Location: Battle Mountain is a small rural community and the county seat of Lander County. The economy is primarily driven by mining, farming, and ranching. Battle Mountain has a limited amount of motel/hotels, house rentals, restaurants, grocery stores, banking and dental services however a medical clinic/emergency services facility is available. Due to a recent upturn in the gold market, housing rentals in Battle Mountain are limited and may be somewhat expensive, depending on what you are used to. Cities with a more expanded variety of services, in close driving distance from Battle Mountain, include: Winnemucca located 52 miles to the West, Elko located 73 miles to the East, Reno located 220 miles Southwest and Salt Lake City located 300 miles East, all accessible via I-80. Qualifications: o Bachelors degree in hydrology or closely related field; o Minimum 1-year field experience directly related to riparian-wetland surveying, stream monitoring, riparian habitat characterization or related field studies; o Knowledge of Great Basin hydrologic, geomorphic, physiographic, geology and soil processes, desirable; o Knowledge of great Basin flora and fauna also desirable; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass (e.g.: locate project sites using 7.5-minute quadrangle maps while determining approximate stream (reach) distance); o Prior experience and/or proficiency using ArcGIS software to manage and manipulate data, as well as create maps; o Analytical skills, including statistics and experimental design, as well as level and rod surveying experience a plus; o Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures; o Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; o Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; and o Valid, state-issued drivers license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road. How to Apply: Applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, Great Basin Institute Recruitment Specialist at [email protected]. This position is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
