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Hydrology Technician

Deadline:
Employer:
Sierra Institute

Job Field:
Water and Soil Resources
Job Type:
Seasonal, Temporary, Internship
Location:
California
Location Detail:
Taylorsville, California
Job Description:

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, in collaboration with the US Forest Service and US National Park Service, is seeking a dedicated Hydrology Technician for the summer season. This role involves assessing the health of streams in the northern Sierra Nevada through a range of field techniques, examining aspects such as channel morphology, stream bank stability, and riparian vegetation. The technician will contribute to watershed restoration efforts while gaining hands-on experience in field surveys. Daily tasks may include hiking with gear through challenging terrain to explore significant meadow systems and contributing to other ecological projects. This position is a remarkable chance to engage in substantial conservation work, aiding in the preservation of precious salmon populations in the Sierra Nevada watersheds.

Qualifications:

One Hydrology Technician position will be flown at two possible experience levels. In order to qualify for either

experience level, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below:

Hydrology Technician I – One year of general experience of any kind that demonstrates the applicant's ability to

perform the work with a general knowledge of hydrologic practices and procedures;

OR two full years of study above the high school level that included at least 12 semester hours, or the equivalent, in any

combination of courses such as hydrology, geology, engineering, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

Hydrology Technician II – Two full years of general experience of any kind that demonstrates the applicant's ability to

perform the work with a general knowledge of hydrologic practices and procedures;

OR successful completion of a full four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an

appropriate field of science (i.e., hydrology, geology, chemistry, physics, geophysics, biology, ecology, soils, forestry,

physical science, atmospheric science) engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or (b) that included at least 24

semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as hydrology, geology, engineering, surveying,

physical science, biology, or mathematics.

Other Requirements

● Must be 18 to apply;

● Demonstrated interest in wildland hydrology, this may include but is not limited to geomorphology, forest and

meadow ecology, stream restoration, environmental engineering, fisheries, or related fields.

● Ability to perform physically taxing work in all weather conditions in rugged mountainous environments (i.e hike

6+ miles a day with a 40lb pack);

● Knowledgeable and proficient in backcountry travel;

● Sufficient equipment to perform the work, including sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for a range of

environments;

● Good communication skills to effectively interact with the public and co-workers;

● Interest in, or familiarity with, principles of fluvial geomorphology, meadow restoration, rural road

management;

● A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation;

Preferred Qualifications

● Knowledge of, or familiarity with northern California specific hydrology, geology, and physical geography;

● Experience working as part of a field crew or team, experience with safety management, and experience

collecting and managing field data;

● Any current wilderness medical training certification (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT);

Miscellaneous:

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and education level, as follows:

Hydrology Technician I – $21.50 per hour

Hydrology Technician II – $23.00 per hour

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) term appointment for up to 26 weeks. Health benefits through Sierra Institute are not

available for this position but may be obtained through Covered California (http://www.coveredca.com/). Field staff will

be provided monthly sick time, paid holidays, and a set number of paid wildfire mitigation leave. Paid wildfire mitigation

leave is intended to mitigate work days impacted by wildfire and smoke.

Necessary training will be provided, including road and meadow survey methodologies, meadow plant identification,

and Wilderness First Aid.

 

Salary:
$21.50 – $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

Please send your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and contact information for three references as one PDF to

jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Hydrology Technician” in the subject line. Application deadline is February 16th, 2024.

Please include where you heard about the job in the text of the email (please be as specific as possible). Position is open

until filled; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please call 530.284.1022 or email jobs@sierrainstitute.us if

you have questions.

 

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