Title: Seasonal Wetlands Technician-
Soils and Water
Work Location: Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City,
UT
Pay Rate: $14.11/hour, plus per diem and reimbursement for camping
equipment use
Closing Date: March 14, 2016
Employment Period late May to end of September with possible
extension (dates can be flexible depending on availability)
Position Description: The Utah Geological Survey seeks to hire a
seasonal Wetland Technician to participate in wetland condition
research. The incumbent will help collect data used to inform local and
state land managers about wetland resources and advance knowledge about
wetlands in the state. Surveys will generally be conducted in teams of
two and will involve evaluating hydrologic, physical, and biotic
components of wetland health during rapid (~ 3-4 hour) site assessments.
The Wetlands Technician will be trained on identifying hydric soil and
wetland hydrology indicators and on collecting water quality data with
handheld meters and will then conduct this work independently with
limited supervision. Sampling will be conducted in both front country
and remote settings in the Utah Lake and Jordan River watersheds. Work
days will typically consist of four 10+ hour days per week, but other
schedules may sometimes be required, including some overnight stays.
When not in the field, the incumbent will assist with tasks such as data
entry, making site maps in ArcGIS, contacting land owners for site
access, and processing and identifying plant specimens. The position is
based out of Salt Lake City and housing is not provided when not
conducting field work. This position is a great opportunity to visit
seldom-seen parts of Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of
wetland types across the state.
Duties:
1. Prepare for field surveys by attending trainings, preparing site
information, and organizing and maintaining field gear.
2. Use GPS and provided maps, to drive to and from field sites and
navigate to survey sites via roads, trails, and off-road through dense
vegetation while maintaining crew safety
3. Aid in the collection of wetland condition data. Evaluate sites
for the presence of stressors. Use landscape and local site data to
evaluate hydrologic, physical, and biotic components of wetland health
following set protocols with attention to detail
4. Dig and describe soil profiles (texture, color, presence of
redox feature, etc.) and record indicators of hydric soils and wetland
hydrology.
5. Collect water quality data using a handheld meter.
6. Use ArcGIS to evaluate sites in the office, create survey maps,
and gather preliminary data before site surveys.
7. Other duties as needed.
Qualifications:
1. Completion of at least three years of education towards a
bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wetland science, botany, wildlife
biology, or other related field and at least one season of field
experience
2. Knowledge of data collection procedures and ability to collect
data with attention to detail
3. Ability to work independently with guidance
4. Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules
(including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah
vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and
tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field
nuisances.
5. Experience with map making in ArcGIS, or willingness to learn
6. Preference given to applicants with field experience or
coursework in any of the following: experience describing soil profiles;
experience identifying hydric soil indicators; experience collecting
water quality data; experience with wetland systems
To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references (with phone
numbers), and a writing sample to Diane Menuz, State Wetland
Coordinator, at the Utah Geological Survey, [email protected]. Please
indicate your available start date and the title of the position you are
applying for. You may direct all questions to this email. Applications
will be accepted through March 14.
