Title: Seasonal Technicians- Wetlands, Riparian Systems, Mapping, and
Botany (3 – 4 positions)
Work Location: Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, UT
Pay Rate: $12 - $14/hr; one technician with strong botany skills may be
paid a higher rate
Closing Date: March 12, 2017
Employment Period: End of May through end of September, with one or more
technicians continuing past end date
Position Description: The Utah Geological Survey is hiring seasonal
technicians for a variety of aquatic projects, including:
1. Conducting wetland field assessments to evaluate wetland health
and refine an assessment protocol. Major tasks include taking water
quality samples with a hand-held meter, describing soil profiles, and
evaluating qualitative measures to describe wetland condition. An
incumbent with suitable skills may also assist with collecting plant
community data. Work will be with a two-person crew.
2. Collecting basic data on springs and stream segments. Major
tasks include using aerial imagery to identify target survey locations,
navigating to both backcountry and front country locations, and
collecting basic information on aquatic condition at springs and
streams. Work will typically be carried out solo, but the incumbent will
have access to an emergency beacon.
3. Collecting stream geomorphology data. Major tasks include
assessing cross-sections of a stream to identify bank stability, channel
features, and riparian buffer. Work will be with a two-person crew.
4. Assisting with wetland mapping. Major tasks include conducting
field reconnaissance to evaluate wetland boundaries and then mapping
wetlands using field notes and aerial imagery in ArcGIS.
5. Assisting with other duties as needed, such as data entry/data
checking, map making using ArcMap, and drafting figures for scientific
publication.
Likely all technicians will have the opportunity to participate in all
of the above tasks, though technicians will be assigned a primary task
based on their qualifications. Most of the field work will take place as
day trips from our office in Salt Lake City, but some overnight travel
may be necessary for some projects. Work days will typically consist of
four 10+ hour days per week, but other schedules may sometimes be
required. This position is a great opportunity to visit seldom-seen
parts of Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of wetlands and
aquatic systems across the state.
Required Qualifications:
1. Completion of at least three years of education towards a
bachelor’s degree in geology, ecology, biology, wetland science, botany,
wildlife biology, or other related field.
2. Ability to work independently with guidance and ability to
collect data accurately and with attention to detail.
3. 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.
Preference will be given to individuals with coursework or professional
experience in at least one of the following areas (please mention in
cover letter):
1. ArcGIS (especially map making and digitizing from aerial
imagery).
2. National Wetland Inventory data and the Cowardin classification
system.
4. Stream geomorphology concepts.
5. Plant identification, especially wetland plants.
6. Background in wetlands, streams, riparian areas, and/or aquatic
systems.
7. At least one season of field experience or demonstrated ability
to conduct work outdoors.
8. Collection practices for water quality data.
9. Describing soil profiles and identifying hydric soil indicators.
10. Photoshop/Illustrator
To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references (with phone
numbers), and available start date to Ryhan Sempler at the Utah
Geological Survey, [email protected]. You may direct all questions to
this email. Applications will be accepted through March 12.
