Research Technician

Job Description

Job Description

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 students and staff based on field work requirements.

5% - Scientific Collaboration & Technical Support

• Provides data and site-specific expertise to NPS staff and external researchers.
• Collaborates on research projects led by NPS and other universities and agencies.

15% - Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Checks, QA/QCs, archives, and analyzes data in established databases and using established data management protocols to be used for computer modeling and statistical analysis for other Hydrologists and Geologists.

• Recognizes gaps or inconsistencies in the information and identifies possible sources of supplemental data to complete the work.

20% - Field Leadership & Safety Management

• Lead teams of researchers, staff, and students into harsh environments on multi day backpacking and caving expeditions.

• Monitor the safety conditions and facilitate group discussions on safety concerns and mitigations.

10% - Training, Mentorship & Development

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students and assist with their research projects.

• Teach students and staff how to use field equipment, how to plan backcountry trips, technical backcountry skills including vertical rope and caving skills, and other field work related safety protocols.

10% - Data Systems, Reporting & Communication

• Accesses and maintains computer records and databases.

• Inputs and retrieves data, runs programs, and organizes automated record keeping systems.

• Prepares preliminary drafts on routine phases of water resource investigations for inclusion in broader reports.

• Presents basic data at internal workshops and meetings.

5% - Research Analysis & Scientific Communication

• In-depth scientific analysis of field data and interpretation based on published methods.

• Formal presentation of research findings at local, regional, and national scientific conferences.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Hydrology, Physical Science or similar.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Wilderness First Aid/CPR/First Aid/AED certified.
• Backpacking experience.
• Experience conducting scientific research in Grand Canyon or similar desert backcountry sites and ability to traverse up to 10 miles at a time in rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
• Experience in single rope technique, especially related to rapelling and ascending in and out of vertical caves, along cliff faces, and canyoneering.
• Advanced experience with troubleshooting stream and spring gages or similar hydrologic instrumentation in remote locations.
• Advanced experience in statistical software, GIS database management, Aquarius, or similar databases, and use of this experience with complex hydrological datasets.
• Wilderness first responder certification.
• Experience working and interacting with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of the technical aspects and established techniques of hydrologic data collection including collecting stream discharge data, creating a stage-discharge relation, and clean water sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use, repair, and maintenance of various hydrologic equipment, including measuring and sampling devices, current meters, and sediment samplers.
• General understanding of the basic principles of hydrology and geomorphology.
• Knowledge of database management, word processing, and specialized software programs to input and access data, produce documents, and manage computer records including Microsoft Excel, Office, and statistical software.
• Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner, to develop reports and communicate results of data collecting.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• General understanding of the basic principles of hydrology and geomorphology.
• Knowledge of the technical aspects and established techniques of hydrologic data collection including collecting stream discharge data, creating a stage-discharge relation, and clean water sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of and skill in the use, repair, and maintenance of various hydrologic equipment, including measuring and sampling devices, current meters, and sediment samplers.
• Knowledge of database management, word processing, and specialized software programs to input and access data, produce documents, and manage computer records including Aquarius, Microsoft Excel, Office, and statistical software.
• Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner, to develop reports and communicate results of data collecting.
• Ability to traverse 8-12 miles per day in rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
• Ability to conduct scientific research in Grand Canyon or similar rugged backcountry sites.
• Abilities in single rope technique, especially related to rappelling and ascending in and out of vertical caves, along cliff faces, and canyoneering and the ability to instruct these techniques to students and staff.
• Ability to troubleshoot streamgages or similar hydrologic instrumentation in remote locations.
• Ability to use statistical software, reduce data, and ability to use this skill with complex hydrological datasets.
• Ability to plan multi-day backcountry expeditions using all available knowledge and resources and coordinate logistics, gear, and safety concerns with students and staff.

Compensation

Salary range is $44,422 to $50,112. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com, View email address on ziprecruiter.com, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.