The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), is recruiting 2 Water Quality Research Associate(s) to participate in activities focused on monitoring water quality throughout LAKE. This position will support the Lake Mead Water Resources group by completing beach and hot springs monitoring, harmful algal bloom (HAB) monitoring, and assisting with a citizen science program aimed and monitoring aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the area.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Beach/Hot Springs Monitoring and HAB project
o Collect and organize water quality samples and environmental data.
o Hike/walk in adverse conditions on uneven and steep terrain.
o Be responsible for safe and timely transport of water samples to water quality lab.
o Follow safety guidelines and standard operating procedure to ensure appropriate sampling conditions and safe handling of potentially hazardous water.
• Citizen Science project
o Educate the public about AIS and park AIS monitoring procedures.
o Create outreach and education materials.
o Use iNaturalist as a tool to gather data on AIS.
Related Responsibilities:
• Prepare materials for field trainings, load and unload vehicles, participate in the development of educational materials and protocol manuals.
• Perform work safely by adhering to all established safety procedures including daily check-in/check-out procedures.
• Participate in trainings provided by Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
• Professionally represent Great Basin Institute, partnering with Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the National Park Service, in the Park and in the surrounding community.
• Assist with compiling related information for quarterly and annual reporting. |
• 52-week appointment beginning June/July, 2021
• Full time (40 hours/week) |
| This Research Associate position will be based out of Boulder City, Nevada where the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Headquarters is located. It is a 20 minute drive from the city of Henderson which lies on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses 1.5 million acres in southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, in the transition of the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, including mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes. It hosts 7.5 million visitors per year. From the mouth of the Grand Canyon, the park follows the Arizona-Nevada border along what was formerly 140 miles of the Colorado River. Opportunities for recreation abound. |
• Wage: $18.00 per hour
• Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Eligibility: Upon successful completion, members between the ages of 17-30 (35, if you are a veteran) are eligible for non-competitive status for government hiring for two years.
• Paid leave and holidays
• Eligible to enroll in company 401K plan with match contributions following 90 days
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Training opportunities |
Technical requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, recreation, or education and commensurate field experience, required;
• Experience in water quality sampling;
• Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to prepare and present study report;
• Willingness to learn about Lake Mead National Recreation Area and the National Park Service;
• Willingness to learn about aquatic species threats, biology, transport and abatement;
• Willingness to learn about the various laws, agency policies, rules, and regulations which apply to the protection of park resources and specific knowledge of the Federal, Park, and State laws pertaining to the transport of invasive species.
Additional requirements:
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with a diverse public in a variety of forums;
• Motivated, self-starter who is detail-oriented and quality-driven;
• Ability to take direction, communicate, and work with others as a member of a team;
• Ability to stand, stoop, lift, bend, crawl, and walk for extended periods of time, often in adverse weather conditions and extreme temperatures and
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record. |