Position Type: Student Contractor, USGS Fort Collins Science Center Title: Science Technician
Job Function: Invertebrate taxonomist, field and laboratory assistant - Aquatic Systems Biology Branch, FORT Job Description: This position is to work full-time with a team of ecologists in the Aquatic Systems Biology Branch of the Fort Collins Science Center. The focus of our work is on the effects of contaminants on aquatic and riparian organisms through field, laboratory, and mesocosm studies. Specific projects will include assessing the effect of piscicide on non-target species as part of an effort to reclaim native cutthroat habitats in National Parks, the effect of common urban stream contaminant mixtures (i.e., pesticides and PAH's) on aquatic insect communities as part of the USGS National Ambient Water Quality Assessment, and food web modeling of Selenium accumulation into Federally Endangered Colorado River fishes. Project activities will involve enumeration and identification of aquatic insects from the Rocky Mountain region and to a limited extent the Southeastern US, laboratory processing of insect samples for stable isotope and metal chemical analyses, maintaining and executing experiments in a mesocosm facility, and field work in mountain lakes and streams as well as large arid river landscapes in remote areas of Colorado. The position will report to one primary supervisor and the project leader. The incumbent must have been enrolled at a University within the past twelve months. The position is funded for 2 full years. Resume Receipt: Email - [email protected] How to Apply: Send cover letter, resume and unofficial transcripts by email to Dr. Travis Schmidt, US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, 2150 Centre Ave Bld C, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Contact Information: Dr. Travis Schmidt, 2150 Centre Ave Bld C, Fort Collins, CO 80521. [email protected], 970-226-9470 Posting Date: 3-14-2014 Expiration Date: 3-28-2014 Work Authorization: US Desired Start Date: 5-27-14 Duration: through 5-15-2016 Approximate hours per week: 40 Qualifications: Must have been enrolled in college full time within the past 12 months. Also, the ideal candidate will have an undergraduate or Master's degree in ecology or environmental toxicology. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Preferred candidate will have experience identifying aquatic insect larvae and a working understanding of the effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms in general. The ideal candidate must have the ability to work in remote alpine and arid environments under adverse weather conditions. Other skills or experiences will include preparing samples for ICPMS and isotopic analysis and culturing of aquatic organisms. Excellent record keeping and fine motor skills are required. Pay Rate: $30-40k/yr or commensurate with experience Location: Fort Collins, CO, USA Travis S Schmidt, PhD Research Ecologist Colorado Water Science Center 2150 Centre Ave Bldg C Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 phone: 970-226-9470 https://profile.usgs.gov/tschmidt
