• AWI Part-Time Field Technician

    Paul Smith's College (Paul Smiths, NY)


    Position: AWI Part-Time Field Technician

     

    Status: Part-time (20-48 hours per month during February, April, May, July, September), non-exempt, staff

     

    Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute

     

    Reports to: AWI Research Associate

     

    Salary: $20.00 to $25.00 per hour

    Description:

    The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is hiring a part time field technician position to support its Water Quality staff in the field. We are looking for someone who likes to be outdoors in sometimes inclement weather and work at remote locations in the region. The position will contribute to AWI’s research and monitoring projects on nearly 100 water bodies across the Adirondacks. Fieldwork can include hiking up to 14 miles to remote locations and often requires working 10+ hours/ day including driving long hours, sometimes 3-5 hours a day.

     

    The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitat, and support the health and wellbeing of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students.

    Responsibilities:

    + Provide sample transportation between AWI laboratory and Albany, NY periodically.

    + Assist with AWI research projects and contracted work in various ways, including but not limited to:

    + Collect physical, chemical, and biological samples from lakes and streams throughout the year in all weather conditions, including in winter, oftentimes in remote backcountry locations.

    + Help maintain AWI’s field gear, instrument calibration and pre-fieldwork prep.

    + Help with equipment decontamination.

    + Support field operations such as: general organization, cleanliness and upkeep of equipment and instruments.

    + Record keeping and data entry.

    + Other duties relating to the mission of AWI as needed.

    Term of Appointment:

    Year-round, primarily in the months of February, April, May, July, & September. Work is scheduled Monday – Thursday. Must be able to work flexible days and hours. Hours and days per week will vary based on the workflow of projects and will be scheduled 3-4 weeks in advance. Anticipated 20-48 hours each of the months listed above.

    Required Qualifications:

    + Ability to work in inclement weather outdoors, including on motorized and non-motorized watercraft (i.e., canoes).

    + Ability to spend an extended amount of time on your feet.

    + Ability to hike and ski with a heavy pack over long distances.

    + Experience with land navigation and working in remote outdoor environments. Ability to lift 40 lb.

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

    + Applicants must have access to a dependable personal vehicle.

    + Ability to perform duties independently and proactively.

    + Ability to commit to at least 3 days of work during the months of February, April, May, July, & September.

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

    Preferred Qualifications:

    + College coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, or other natural sciences

    + A genuine interest in environmental science and a desire to gain experience in the field.

    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.