[ES_JOBS_NET] Seeking Lead Technician: Water quality responses to prescribed fire in the Southern Sierra Nevada

[Alex Webster]

Position Overview
The Webster Watershed Resilience Lab (http://alexjwebster.weebly.com/) and
Hurteau Earth Systems Ecology Lab (http://www.hurteaulab.org/) at the
University of New Mexico jointly seek applications for a Research Scientist
2 position. The position will be focused on a new project studying the
impact of prescribed fire on water quality in headwater watersheds in the
southern Sierra Nevada (CA). We are looking for a motivated and organized
person with a background in forest ecology, biogeochemistry, and/or
watershed science to join our team. Apply by July 15 for best
consideration (see details below).

Duties include (1) leading summer field campaigns at the Teakettle
Experimental Forest, including water sampling, off-trail hiking,
maintaining automated water quality samplers (ISCOs), taking stream
discharge measurements, conducting fuel surveys, and supervising one
seasonal technician who will assist work (~50% of time); (2) running
analytical equipment to analyze water sample chemistry, managing data, and
maintaining lab and project organization in the Webster Lab at the
University of New Mexico (~30% of time); (3) contributing to data analysis,
project reporting requirements, and manuscript preparation (~10% of time);
(4) assisting other research in the Webster and Hurteau Labs (~10% of
time).

This position will be based at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque,
NM (see http://alexjwebster.weebly.com/join-us.html for more information).
The successful applicant will be based in Albuquerque approximately
October-April, and in the Teakettle Experimental Forest approximately
May-September of 2025 and 2026. The Teakettle Experimental Forest is
located in the southern Sierra Nevada, California at ~7000 feet elevation.
While working in the field this individual will have access to a facility
with a kitchen and bathrooms but will be sleeping in a tent. Teakettle is a
45-minute drive from the nearest town and is off-grid, but does have solar
power and running water. A robust community of researchers are present at
the field station throughout the summer months, and the location provides
easy access to recreation in the southern high Sierras.

The preferred start date is August 15, 2024. The successful applicant will
be hired on a one-year contract with the expectation of renewal for two
additional years pending satisfactory performance. Options to pursue a
masters’ degree in Biology or Water Resources while working are possible
for exceptional candidates.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Degree in biological sciences, geosciences, hydrology, water resources,
or closely related field
2. Previous experience conducting field work in one of the above fields
3. Previous experience with analytical chemistry

Preferred Qualifications
1. Masters in biological sciences, geosciences, hydrology, water resources,
or closely related field
2. Experience with environmental sensors and instruments
3. Experience with conducting forest fuel surveys
4. Extensive experience with analytical chemistry techniques and
instrumentation
5. Experience with command line analysis in R or Python
6. Excellent English verbal communication skills

Candidates will be evaluated on the candidate’s research experience and
communication skills, as evidenced by (i) a resume or CV and cover letter,
(ii) references, and (iii) interview by videoconference.

Additional Candidate Instructions
Candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Alex Webster with a CV or resume,
a description of your interest, and any questions about the position prior
to completing the online application. A complete application, due July 15,
will require the following:

1. Online application on UNM Jobs:
https://unm.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/18/home/requisition/29808?c=unm
(NOTE THAT BEST CONSIDERATION AND START DATES ON UNMJOBS POST ARE INCORRECT)
2. Cover letter clearly stating the following:
a. A brief overview of degree work and general research interests
b. A statement of experience with the types of field and lab work mentioned
in the qualifications, with clear evidence provided when either required or
preferred qualifications are met by the candidate’s work history
c. A brief statement about previous field experience, including living and
working conditions (e.g. remote site, camping, etc.)
3. Curriculum vitae or resume with complete background/work history

Review of applications will begin on July 16 and will continue until a
qualified applicant pool has been identified.

Contact Information to Applicants
Dr. Alex Webster
awebster2 at unm.edu

Advertised Salary Range
This is a Grade 12, FSLA-Exempt position
$43,000 - 50,000 based on qualifications and experience



--
Alex J. Webster (she/her)
Assistant Professor
University of New Mexico
Biology Department

*My working hours may not be your working hours. Please do not feel
obligated to reply outside of your normal work schedule.*
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