The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Tahoe National Forest, is recruiting two (2) Watershed Assessment (Hydrology) Technicians. Based in Truckee or Sierraville, CA and in support of the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger Districts, the Technicians will focus on conducting watershed assessments and supporting ongoing watershed restoration projects through implementation of the following tasks:
- Work with current Lidar, aerial photos, road surveys and stream surveys to locate potential watershed problems and sediment sources. - Use U.S. Forest Service protocol for Soil and Water Road-condition Index to survey roads. Provide completed work in a usable final format that includes GIS/GPS processing, data compilation descriptive discussion and maps. - Conduct field reconnaissance to check on areas identified remotely and identify on the ground watershed issues not identified remotely. Identify processes occurring and impacts zone related to such sources. Provide a summary and photo documentation GPS/GIS data covering observed areas of concern. - Continue ongoing monitoring of flows, groundwater and other watershed attributes, and establish new monitoring locations. Provide completed data compilation descriptive discussion and maps. - Data collection for potential restoration projects identified during watershed assessments including survey cross sections and wetland delineation assessment. *Compensation and Timeline:* - Rate of Pay: $15.00/hour - Timeline: 13-week appointment (June 01, 2015 – September 04, 2015) - Full-time, up to 40 hours per week - USFS barracks or other hosing options may be available on either Truckee or Sierraville Districts *Location:* The TNF is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land. Rivers, snow-capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year round. A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1,500 feet along the western boundary to over 9,000 feet along the crest. The Truckee Ranger District (located in Truckee, CA) is approximately 30 miles west of Reno, NV and 15 miles from Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Sierraville Ranger District is in Sierraville, 25 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89. *Qualifications:* - Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of experience and coursework in the natural sciences – a focus on hydrology, geology, geography, geomorphology, soil science, or other related field, desired; - Knowledge and experience working with topographic maps and compass, interpreting aerial photos, and using hand-held GPS units – experience with ArcGIS, desired but not required; - Experience conducting stream flow measurements, road surveys, and/or stream surveys including documenting physical habitat attributes (i.e. pools, riffles, substrates); - Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment; - Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience including co-workers, members of the pubic, and agency personnel; - Ability to walk a minimum of 12km/day in challenging terrain and harsh conditions, including stream channels, and otherwise be in good physical condition; - Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, with ability to manually enter, manage, manipulate and graphically display data; and - Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road if required. *How to Apply:* Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at [email protected]. Please include where you found the position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
