Research Technician

This job was posted by https://www.azjobconnection.gov : For more

information, please see: https://www.azjobconnection.gov/jobs/7563340


**Research Technician**

Northern Arizona University

****Special Information****

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to
  
  

complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility

with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are

rare.

• This position is subject to the availability of funding.
• Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a
  
  

regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet

Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university

business become authorized by submitting Driver\'s license

information for driving record monitoring, and completion of

training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law

applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or

university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More

information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the

NAU website.

• These positions will be in the School of Earth & Sustainability with
  
  

the work being completed in Flagstaff, AZ and Grand Canyon National

Park.

• The work requires some physical exertion such as: long periods of
  
  

standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces for long

distances; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching,

reaching, or similar activity; or recurring lifting of moderately

heavy items weighing less than 23 kilograms (under 50 pounds) such

as lifting and carrying stream gauging weights, data collection and

monitoring devices, or sample trays.

• The work regularly involves moderate risks or discomforts associated
  
  

with visiting field sites with limited access, under adverse weather

or flooding conditions, or exposure to irritant or toxic chemicals.

Work may require the use of special clothing or gear such as masks,

coats, boots, goggles, respirators, or life jackets.

****About the Department/College****

The School of Earth & Sustainability is part of the College of the

Environment, Forestry & Natural Science at Northern Arizona

University\'s Flagstaff Mountain Campus.

**About the Position**

This position will work on a cooperative project between NAU and the NPS

regarding water sources and quality in Grand Canyon National Park. Work

will be done in conjunction with NPS hydrologists and geologists and

with substantial office time at NPS facilities in Flagstaff, AZ and

frequent field trips into the park. Field trips are, on average, 4 days,

but can last as long as 14 days (rare) and will include work in springs,

streams, caves, slot canyons, and/or exposed arid lands. Frequent field

work will require backcountry travel and long hours including work over

weekends.

As Grand Canyon National Park finishes the process of upgrading the

parks water supply and delivery infrastructure, it is critical that the

park develop a better understanding of the quantity, quality, and

vulnerability of water resources, particularly for the park water supply

(Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Creek). This research helps improve

understanding of the surface area on the Kaibab Plateau that drains

through springs associated with Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Creek.

Additionally, the park is undertaking research and monitoring projects

to better understand threats to drinking water resources from the Dragon

Bravo fire on the North Rim and to gather information on groundwater

systems throughout the Grand Canyon region where data was previously

sparse. With this information, the park will be better able to assess

the available water supply, especially in light of climate change, and

how vulnerable the water supply is to contamination.

**Responsibilities Include**

10% - Field Data Collection & Monitoring

• Collects various types of hydrologic data in the field and in the
  
  

lab.

• Collects stream discharge, sediment, and/or ground and surface water
  
  

survey data utilizing established procedures and instructions.

• Measures water quality parameters and collects a variety of water
  
  

samples for different projects.

• Measures geomorphologic and hydraulic characteristics at spring,
  
  

stream, and cave sites.

• While standard methods, practices, and procedures are available to
  
  

reference, the incumbent is frequently required to use judgment,

troubleshoot, and adjust data collection, seeking assistance as

necessary.

10% - Field Operations & Equipment Management

• Operates, adjusts, maintains, and inventories surveying and
  
  

hydrologic sampling and field equipment.

• Plans multi-day field trips into wilderness areas with consultation
  
  

with National Park Service (NPS) specialists utilizing NPS permits,

backcountry routing forms, and route beta.

• Builds, maintains, and operates remote stream gages often with
  
  

limited to no outside assistance.

10% - Equipment & Supply Administration

Purchases new scientific equipment and field supplies based on current

and anticipated need.

Manages team equipment supplies and provides necessary equipment to

individual