Staff Research Scientist, Field Specialist
About The Position
The Division of Hydrologic Sciences of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a Staff Research Scientist to support the Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) in environmental research and data collection, based at DRI’s Las Vegas, Nevada campus. The successful applicant will work with DRI research personnel on hydrology, hydrogeology, and environmental science activities, participating in scientific research that includes laboratory work, equipment testing and maintenance, fieldwork, data collection and analysis, and report writing. The role supports fieldwork at CEMP stations, including developing, fabricating, installing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing remote weather and radiological monitoring instrumentation. It involves using and caring for equipment, tools, and safety gear; undertaking multi-day trips to remote locations; keeping accurate records; assisting with hazardous equipment and materials; coordinating and supervising field activities; arranging equipment maintenance with manufacturers; training new Community Environmental Monitors; conducting outreach; and keeping the CEMP team informed about work status.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Previous experience working with instrumentation.
- Demonstrated field experience, including work in remote locations.
- Mechanical aptitude, including familiarity with hand and power tools, basic knowledge of AC/DC current, and experience with electrical or electronic equipment and systems such as solar power systems, environmental sensors, and related instrumentation.
- Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
- Ability to maintain quality, safety, and control standards.
- Willingness to learn basic laboratory skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; basic Excel skills must include data entry, data formatting, and writing simple formulas.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and within a team with diverse interests, and to adapt and learn new skills.
- Accountability for maintaining equipment and records such as timesheets, inventory, purchases, and field logs.
- U.S. citizenship, as required by sponsor funding.
- Successful completion of a background check is a condition of employment.
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the date of hire.
- Ability to travel regularly to local and regional locations for several days at a time.
- Ability to perform physical tasks, including moving or lifting objects up to 40 pounds and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with research-grade environmental sensors, dataloggers, and remote electronics, including field installations such as weather stations, well logging, water quality monitoring, power systems, and telemetry devices.
- Experience writing or contributing to technical reports.
Responsibilities
- Work independently and as part of a team to develop, fabricate, install, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair remote weather and radiological monitoring instrumentation.
- Use, maintain, and repair a variety of equipment and tools, along with associated safety gear and personal protective equipment.
- Conduct multi-day field trips to remote locations, drive long distances alone, and perform job functions in extreme weather conditions.
- Maintain accurate inventory, field, purchase, travel, and labor records.
- Assist with acquiring, preparing, distributing, and properly storing hazardous equipment and materials.
- Supervise and coordinate fieldwork conducted by various personnel.
- Coordinate maintenance of station equipment and instrumentation with manufacturers.
- Train new Community Environmental Monitors.
- Represent CEMP at outreach events in CEMP communities.
- Communicate with the CEMP team to keep members updated on current job and task status.
- Participate in environmental laboratory activities, equipment testing and maintenance, data collection and analysis, and report writing.
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 19.25% retirement match.
- 24 annual leave days.
- Beginning balance of 30 sick leave days.
- 12 paid holidays.
- Educational benefits.
- Choice of three health insurance plans, which can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.
- Relocation assistance.
- No state income tax and no Social Security deduction.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
