Individual Placement - Hydrology & Physical Science Technician at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

Student Conservation Association•Ajo, AZ

14h•Onsite

About The Position

This position will support the Physical Science Program at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument (ORPI) by contributing to hydrology and water quality monitoring, conducting geomorphology surveys, and assisting with the maintenance of a network of weather stations throughout the monument. This position will be a combination of field work, equipment maintenance, data and data entry. Fieldwork will be conducted throughout ORPI, including backcountry settings and along the international border between the Mexico and the United States.

Requirements

Experience working with hand-held GPS, maps, and compass for field navigation and data collection.
Ability to perform manual, physical labor for up to 10 hours per day, exposed to the elements.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds or more.
Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a broad audience.
Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office settings.
Must possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license.
A personal vehicle is required due to the remote setting.
Must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting fieldwork in a desert or other challenging outdoor environments.
Familiarity with hydrology and/or water quality field methods, such as measuring stream discharge, reading flumes and staff gauges, using water quality multiparameter meters, and measuring depth to groundwater.
Experience using survey equipment for geomorphology or similar field applications.
Degree or coursework in hydrology, geology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
Familiarity with desktop and mobile GIS and mapping software, including Avenza, ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online (AGOL), Field Maps, and Survey123.

Responsibilities

Using a laser level to conduct cross-section surveys in seven washes that cross the international border with Mexico.
Assisting with routine discharge and pond level measurements at Quitobaquito.
Performing vegetation management to keep the spring channel and source in good condition.
Maintaining water supply to pan evaporation testing equipment.
Assisting with measuring water quality parameters at Quitobaquito and Dripping springs.
Conducting fieldwork at tinajas.
Assisting with calibration and maintenance of water quality equipment.
Recording field data on a variety of devices.
Assisting with data entry.
Assisting other Resource Division programs, including wildlife biology, botany, cultural resources, and ecological monitoring, as appropriate.