• AWI Seasonal Field Technician

    Paul Smith's College (Paul Smiths, NY)


    Position: AWI Seasonal Field Technician

     

    Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt

     

    Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI)

     

    Reports to: Research Associate I

     

    Pay: $19.50 - $21.50 per hour

    Description:

    The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is seeking an entry-level Field Technician to assist with summer water quality monitoring projects. AWI is a program of Paul Smith’s College, whose mission is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students. This position will serve as primary support for AWI’s Science Field Team assisting with the numerous research and monitoring projects on water bodies and terrestrial environments across the Adirondacks. The position runs from May – September and is scheduled for 40 hours per week. It is based on Paul Smith’s College campus but involves a significant amount of time working in the field and driving to and from field work locations. Fieldwork can include hiking up to 16 miles, frequently involves the use of canoes/motorboats and often requires working 10+ hours/day.

    Duties & Responsibilities:

    + Collect and prepare environmental samples (water, soil, plants) for analysis.

    + Collect hydrologic (stream velocity, flow rate, and stage) and other environmental (e.g., temperature, pH, conductance, dissolved oxygen, turbidity) data from lakes and streams.

    + Process and enter AWI field data (field form data, vertical profile data, and logger data).

    + Assistance maintaining and organizing field equipment including regular calibration.

    + Assistance in preparing necessary materials and field equipment for regular sampling visits.

    + Support AWI’s field safety and risk management program.

    + Support laboratory operations as needed.

    + Operate AWI vehicles and watercraft.

    + Provide sample transportation between AWI laboratory and USGS laboratory in Troy, NY

    + Perform other related duties as assigned by Field Technician II & Research Associate I.

    Qualifications:

    + College course work in environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related field.

    + Interest in environmental science and desire to gain experience conducting limnological field work.

    + Experience with land/water navigation and working in remote outdoor environments.

    + Ability to work in inclement weather, both off and on the water (including from motorized and non-motorized watercraft such as canoes).

    + Understanding of the hazards encountered while working on lakes such as weather, navigation, and other safety issues.

    + Ability to work autonomously and proactively.

    + Strong computer and data entry skills, especially with spreadsheet, database, and instrumentation software.

    + High level of attention to detail.

    + Ability to solve problems.

    + New York State Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the College’s insurance.

    + Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.

    Preferred:

    + Wilderness First Aid/First Responder training.

    + Completed NYS Boating Safety Course and familiarity operating motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

    Physical Requirements:

    Environmental Conditions

     

    + Work is consistently performed in an outdoor setting with variable weather and temperature ranges.

    + Fieldwork sites may be in remote locations many miles from the nearest road.

     

    Lifting and Carrying

     

    + Ability to regularly lift/carry up to 50 lbs.

    + Frequent lifting and carrying moderate to heavy field equipment including canoes.

     

    Mobility

     

    + Prolonged hiking (up to 16 miles in a day), standing or boating majority of the workday to complete responsibilities.

    + Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.

     

    Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

     

    + Manual dexterity for handling ropes and cables while on the water.

    + Adept balance while working from motorized and non-motorized watercraft.

    + Sensory Requirements

    + Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.

    + Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

     

    Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.