What are the responsibilities and job description for the ARID Field Research Tech position at unm?
The Litvak Lab at the University of New Mexico is seeking a highly qualified technician to be hired as a Field Research Tech. The candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of instrumentation to increase our understanding of how forest management alters surface microclimate, snow accumulation and duration and tree function on north and south facing slopes in the Sante Fe Watershed and Gila National Forest.
The candidate will maintain the instrumentation and infrastructure of these tripods and work with an interdisciplinary group of faculty, postdoctoral, graduate and undergraduate researchers to make additional physiological and ecological field measurements associated with this project. The candidate will participate in data management, data quality assurance, and the preparation of peer-reviewed publications of research findings. In addition, this position will involve leading and guiding a field crew in the summer.
Work requires periods of heavy physical effort, handling heavy objects, general construction skills, and/or extended periods of standing or walking for large portions of the work day. Field work may involve prolonged exposure including high temperatures, dusty conditions, high light, low humidity, high winds. Outdoor work may also include chance encounters with poisonous snakes or spiders however these organisms will not be handled in any way. Laboratory work may include exposure to hazards or physical risks that require following basic safety procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Travels to remote field sites to set up equipment, troubleshoot sensors, maintain solar power, collect, prepare, process, and/or record biological field data, samples, specimens, solutions, materials and/or media for testing and/or analysis, as appropriate to the specific objectives of the research study.
- Handles, processes, and records field data, samples, and/or specimens in accordance with detailed, pre-established protocol, procedures, and standards.
- Enters data into appropriate databases and performs routine, basic manipulation, reduction, analysis and interpretation of data, using specified statistical and/or scientific computer programs.
- Sets up, calibrates, operates, and maintains a variety of laboratory and/or field research equipment as specified by the requirements of the research study.
- Monitors and maintains inventories of equipment and supplies for day-to-day study purposes as required, within budget parameters.
- Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
- Prepares voucher specimens and assists in cataloging and other research collections activities, as appropriate, dependent upon the overall objectives of the study.
- May lead, guide, and train staff/student employees, interns, and/or volunteers performing related work; may participate in the recruitment of volunteers, as appropriate to the area of operation.
- May participate in and/or contribute to the publication and/or presentation of results, and the development of grant proposals.
- Maintains a broad knowledge of state-of-the-art research techniques, technology, equipment, and/or systems.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.