IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Hydrologist

Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in partnership with the BLM Battle Mountain District (BMD), is recruiting an experienced Hydrologist to work as part of an inter-disciplinary field team. The team will work to complete riparian stream (lotic) and spring/seep/meadow (lentic) riparian functioning condition assessments, general surface water inventories and watershed monitoring. Information collected will be used to maintain, restore, and/or improve riparian resource values to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. Specific tasks will include:
•    Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) assessment of lotic/lentic habitats and Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) on lotic sites;
•    Providing Rosgen channel type descriptions and expertise on hydrologic and geomorphic processes concerning lotic/lentic functioning condition, stream erosion, and runoff.
•    Conducting vegetation utilization monitoring and line-point intercept on riparian-wetland sites.
•    Inventory and locating surface waters sites using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and inputs data collected into the BMD geographical information system (GIS).
•    Conducting qualitative stream surveys using procedures outlined in BLM Manuals, including evaluation and measurement of habitat parameters such as streambank cover, stability, stream width/depth ratio, channel morphology characteristics, stream substrates, and water quality.

Compensation and Timeline:
o    Rate of Pay: $16.00/hour
o    May/June 2011 – September 2011, potential for extension pending funding and positive performance review
o    Full time, 40 hours per week (overtime may be required occasionally)

Location:
Battle Mountain is a small rural community and the county seat of Lander County. The economy is primarily driven by mining, farming, and ranching. Battle Mountain has a limited amount of motel/hotels, house rentals, restaurants, grocery stores, banking and dental services however a medical clinic/emergency services facility is available. Due to a recent upturn in the gold market, housing rentals in Battle Mountain are limited and may be somewhat expensive, depending on what you are used to.

Cities with a more expanded variety of services, in close driving distance from Battle Mountain, include: Winnemucca located 52 miles to the West, Elko located 73 miles to the East, Reno located 220 miles Southwest and Salt Lake City located 300 miles East, all accessible via I-80.

Qualifications:
o    Bachelor’s degree in hydrology or closely related field;
o    Minimum 1-year field experience directly related to riparian-wetland surveying, stream monitoring, riparian habitat characterization or related field studies;
o    Knowledge of Great Basin hydrologic, geomorphic, physiographic, geology and soil processes, desirable;
o    Knowledge of great Basin flora and fauna also desirable;
o    Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
o    Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass (e.g.: locate project sites using 7.5-minute quadrangle maps while determining approximate stream (reach) distance);
o    Prior experience and/or proficiency using ArcGIS software to manage and manipulate data, as well as create maps;
o    Analytical skills, including statistics and experimental design, as well as level and rod surveying experience a plus;
o    Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures;
o    Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
o    Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; and
o    Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road.