Research Technician

Research Technician

Northern Arizona University

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.

The School of Earth & Sustainability is part of the College of the Environment, Forestry & Natural Science at Northern Arizona University's Flagstaff Mountain Campus.

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.

• 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