Title: Seasonal Wetlands Technician- Soils and Water Work Location: Utah Geological Survey, Salt Lake City, UT Pay Rate: $14.11/hour, plus per diem and reimbursement for camping equipment use Closing Date: March 14, 2016 Employment Period late May to end of September with possible extension (dates can be flexible depending on availability)
Position Description: The Utah Geological Survey seeks to hire a seasonal Wetland Technician to participate in wetland condition research. The incumbent will help collect data used to inform local and state land managers about wetland resources and advance knowledge about wetlands in the state. Surveys will generally be conducted in teams of two and will involve evaluating hydrologic, physical, and biotic components of wetland health during rapid (~ 3-4 hour) site assessments. The Wetlands Technician will be trained on identifying hydric soil and wetland hydrology indicators and on collecting water quality data with handheld meters and will then conduct this work independently with limited supervision. Sampling will be conducted in both front country and remote settings in the Utah Lake and Jordan River watersheds. Work days will typically consist of four 10+ hour days per week, but other schedules may sometimes be required, including some overnight stays. When not in the field, the incumbent will assist with tasks such as data entry, making site maps in ArcGIS, contacting land owners for site access, and processing and identifying plant specimens. The position is based out of Salt Lake City and housing is not provided when not conducting field work. This position is a great opportunity to visit seldom-seen parts of Utah and to develop expertise in a variety of wetland types across the state. Duties: 1. Prepare for field surveys by attending trainings, preparing site information, and organizing and maintaining field gear. 2. Use GPS and provided maps, to drive to and from field sites and navigate to survey sites via roads, trails, and off-road through dense vegetation while maintaining crew safety 3. Aid in the collection of wetland condition data. Evaluate sites for the presence of stressors. Use landscape and local site data to evaluate hydrologic, physical, and biotic components of wetland health following set protocols with attention to detail 4. Dig and describe soil profiles (texture, color, presence of redox feature, etc.) and record indicators of hydric soils and wetland hydrology. 5. Collect water quality data using a handheld meter. 6. Use ArcGIS to evaluate sites in the office, create survey maps, and gather preliminary data before site surveys. 7. Other duties as needed. Qualifications: 1. Completion of at least three years of education towards a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, wetland science, botany, wildlife biology, or other related field and at least one season of field experience 2. Knowledge of data collection procedures and ability to collect data with attention to detail 3. Ability to work independently with guidance 4. Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules (including overnights), travel extensively, drive a State of Utah vehicle, hike moderate distances through occasionally rough terrain, and tolerate exposure to extreme heat, rain, biting insects, and other field nuisances. 5. Experience with map making in ArcGIS, or willingness to learn 6. Preference given to applicants with field experience or coursework in any of the following: experience describing soil profiles; experience identifying hydric soil indicators; experience collecting water quality data; experience with wetland systems To apply, submit resume, cover letter, three references (with phone numbers), and a writing sample to Diane Menuz, State Wetland Coordinator, at the Utah Geological Survey, dme...@utah.gov. Please indicate your available start date and the title of the position you are applying for. You may direct all questions to this email. Applications will be accepted through March 14.