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.