*POSITION:* Science Fellow / Post-Doctoral Researcher *PROJECT TITLE: *Analysis, SYNTHESIS, and forecasting of free-flowing Stream gages in the western U.S.
*SUPERVISORS: *BEN LAFRANCE, DAVID THOMA, ANDREW RAY, AND KRISTIN LEGG *HIRING AGENCY:* NORTHERN ROCKIES CONSERVATION COOPERATIVE (NRCC) *OVERVIEW:* The Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative (NRCC), in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced *Science Fellow / Postdoctoral Researcher* for a three-year fellowship. This role focuses on analyzing and forecasting streamflow in national parks across the Western U.S., with a competitive salary of $65,000 per year. The Fellow will: 1. Lead time-series analysis and synthesis of historic stream gage data. 2. Model hydrologic projections to support NPS water resource management. 3. Share findings through peer-reviewed publications, reports, and briefs. Office space can be provided in Bozeman, Montana at the NPS Greater Yellowstone Network's HQ which is co-housed with USGS offices. Remote work is also welcome for those with a well-demonstrated track record of productivity. This position offers opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, and potential travel to stunning NPS sites. A PhD in environmental or natural sciences is required, along with expertise in hydrologic modeling, data analysis (e.g., R programming), and working with climate datasets. Interested candidates can learn more by contacting *Ben LaFrance* at [email protected]. To apply, please send: 1. *Detailed Resume *- listing education and describing work experiences. 2. *Cover Letter *- highlighting relevant required skills and interest. 3. *Three (3) Professional References* - Names and contact information Screening of applications will begin on 15 January 2025; however, applications will be continually accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established. Ideally, the candidate would be able to start working on the project around 01 March 2025. *BACKGROUND:* The National Park Service is charged with protecting nationally significant and iconic rivers. Monitoring these waters is therefore fundamental to the NPS’s mission to steward park resources "for the enjoyment of future generations." Unsurprisingly, many waters in the National Park System are gaged or monitored by the Inventory and Monitoring Division as part of their vital signs monitoring programs. Monitoring stream flows supports an understanding of how trends in streamflow are changing through time, particularly given shifts in climate. Some park units encompass important headwaters or protect valuable watersheds and streams throughout the country provide and critical habitat for species of conservation concern. There is growing evidence that climate change poses a significant threat to the hydrologic function of many streams, with some effects visible already and more changes will likely unfold throughout the next century. In addition to global climate change, managing threats to rivers and streams often requires an understanding and action plan on a landscape scale beyond administrative boundaries, and coordination between multiple management agencies and landowners. *NRCC and the NPS Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network (GRYN) are looking for a Science Fellow to: * *1.* Lead time series analysis and synthesis of historic stream gage discharge data from free-flowing streams and rivers within or adjacent to NPS lands throughout the Western U.S. (Intermountain and Pacific West Regions) *2.* Coordinate with multiple NPS units to determine drivers, specific needs, and create near- and long-term hydrologic projections on a monthly time scale for a subset of high-priority streams using established NPS climate and water balance models. This may include integrating hydrologic modeling with other aquatic vital signs (i.e., macroinvertebrates, amphibians, fish, water quality, etc) *3.* Communicate results through peer-reviewed publications as well as provide summary reports and resource briefs to the NPS. This position will interact closely with NPS, other agencies, and NRCC scientists (especially Mike Tercek). The resulting work will provide a roadmap to guide NPS actions to proactively manage water resources in a changing climate. *ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:* We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic post-doctoral candidate for a three-year position. The major aspects of this work consist of characterize flow trends for existing USGS stream gage data for free-flowing streams and rivers in Western U.S. parks, identifying drivers, the effect of flow on co-variate vital signs, and modeling hydrologic projections. An important aspect of this work includes communicating regional and local scale findings to park managers via reports as well as peer-reviewed publications. This position will provide the incumbent the chance to explore, learn and expand their understanding of hydrologic modeling, aquatic ecology, and high-level syntheses on stream systems in the Western U.S. In addition, the Fellow will gain valuable leadership, project management and possible travel opportunities to visit various NPS sites throughout the west. *SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:* None, but potential opportunity to help supervise a Scientist-in-Parks intern if funding allows and there is interest. There is also an opportunity to work with a Science Communication Specialist during the third year of the fellowship to help with reporting and outreach. *WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:* The work will be primarily office-based and require a strong background in hydrology and coding skills, as well as comfort working with large climatological and geospatial datasets spanning multiple decades. The position will be predominantly remote, but space will be provided in the GRYN office located in Bozeman, MT and the incumbent will be fully integrated with the GRYN team. Occasional opportunity to travel to different NPS locations for work. Please note, Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative does not have the ability to provide health care benefits for this position. *EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES:* *Required* • A PhD is required (in the natural or environmental sciences) from an accredited institution. • Previous experience and training in hydrologic modelling. • History of independently leading a research project with minimal oversight • U.S. Citizenship required • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. • Strong record of research including experience leading peer-reviewed publications • Interest in hydrology, conservation, climate change, and protected areas • Strong background in scripted (e.g., R-based) programs and packages for the analysis of large datasets. • Previous and demonstrated experience working with climate datasets. • Team-oriented and interest in interacting with NRCC and NPS scientists, park staff, agency and NGO partners, and the public. *Preferred* • Previous experience working with land managers and diverse stakeholders • Excellent communication, organization, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills • Detail-oriented, responsible, team-oriented with strong-communication skills • Experience maintaining spatial and climate data locally and a cloud-based environment *A combination of education and experience may be considered if it directly relates to the position and supports the ability to successfully perform the job.* *Please contact Ben LaFrance ([email protected] <[email protected]>) to learn more or if you have questions. To apply, please send (1) your CV, (2) a cover letter that highlights how you meet the required and relevant skills for the position, and (3) the names and contact information for three references. * To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
