Research Associate II Loch Vale Watershed Long-term Ecological Research and Monitoring Program Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University
Position Description: The Research Associate II (RAII) oversees all aspects of a long-term ecological research and monitoring program that studies the physical, chemical, and biological process of the 10 km2 alpine and subalpine Loch Vale Watershed (LVWS) in Rocky Mountain National Park. With 30 years of data, the LVWS is the longest continuous instrumented subalpine watershed monitoring program in the country. The information gathered from research and monitoring in LVWS has been and continues to be critical to air quality policies in the State of Colorado and to the natural resource management mission of Rocky Mountain National Park. The RAII interacts with state and federal authorities, technical experts, and coordinates and supports research activities among scientific collaborators and students, and supervises field and laboratory technicians. The RAII performs a full range of research and monitoring activities, including collecting biogeochemical, biological, and physical field samples and data, maintaining field, laboratory and safety equipment, conducting laboratory analysis, maintaining databases, performing statistical analysis and hydrologic modeling. The RAII performs quality assurance/quality control analysis of all data prior to publishing the results and generates Quality Assurance Reports. In addition, the RAII participates in scholarly endeavors through the presentation of results in publications and professional presentations. Duties: Schedule all field and laboratory activities. Coordinate field crews, provide logistical support, and facilitate research and monitoring activities among the many individuals and organizations working in LVWS, including USGS, National Park Service, and Colorado State University. Train students and volunteers in field and laboratory methods. Maintain and promote safety in the field and laboratory. This requires experience and extensive knowledge of backcountry and winter mountaineering Serve as official Site Operator for two collocated National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) monitoring sites (CO98 and CO89). Install, maintain, and operate NADP equipment, including Aerochemetrics precipitation collectors, NOAH IV rain gages, and associated solar and battery power sources and satellite telemetry. Manage biogeochemical and hydrologic research and monitoring activities including routine sampling of surface water from streams and soil waters from experimental forest plots. Supervise, coordinate, and perform laboratory analyses. Conduct QA/QC analysis of all water quality data and prepare quality assurance reports. Maintain and upgrade historical databases. Maintain and update LVWS program website. Perform statistical and data analysis, and prepare graphical and tabular data summaries. Utilize ArcGIS to analyze watershed characteristics and produce maps. Present research results at professional society meetings and for other interested groups, such as resource managers. Write manuscripts for submission to scholarly journals. Required Qualifications: M.S. degree in watershed science, ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, or similar field and at least one year of professional work experience. Project management experience and strong organizational skills. Experience utilizing and maintaining online databases. Proficiency installing, programming, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing hydrologic and ecological monitoring and laboratory equipment. Backcountry research and mountaineering experience in all seasons. The successful candidate must be able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and rugged terrain with minimal supervision. Written and oral communication skills. Experience with field and laboratory methods for biogeochemical and physical hydrologic sampling techniques, and data quality assurance. Desired Qualifications: Experience working on multiple projects in a team environment Prior experience with NADP operating sites and equipment. Ability to install and trouble-shoot power supplies, including solar panels, voltage regulators, and batteries, and remote satellite telemetry. Experience with NOAH IV electronic rain gages. Handyman skills. Level 1 Avalanche Training Certification and experience operating backcountry radios. Hazardous waste training. Experience with website development and maintenance. Experience with multivariate statistics and model-based inference techniques. This is a full-time position with the Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University. Position is for 12 months, with potential continuation, contingent upon available funding. Salary level is $27-35K per year plus benefits, depending upon experience. A full description of benefits is available at http://www.hrs.colostate.edu/benefits/. Electronic submissions are preferred. To apply, submit cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three references to: http://warnercnr.colostate.edu/employment-opportunities.html. References will not be contacted without prior approval. Deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2013. All interviews will be conducted in person. For further information, contact Jill Baron at the NREL at 970-491- 1968. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.
