Details:
The watershed science technician plays a central role in the ongoing operation of a long-term watersheds observatory by implementing field projects, managing data, and contributing to analysis and writing. The successful candidate will be responsible for working across the terrestrial – freshwater – marine continuum, handling sample and sensor data, and effectively supporting research in hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, oceanography and technology domains. Specialization in hydrology of coastal watersheds is required, as is the ability to work across these diverse disciplines. The successful candidate has excellent team leadership, organizational and project management skills. Data processing is a key responsibility, particularly for stream discharge estimation. An ability to embrace changing priorities and responsibilities is essential for this dynamic position.
The watersheds observatory is located at a remote field station on Calvert Island, on the central coast of British Columbia. This position involves alternating between time on Calvert Island and time on northern Vancouver Island or Quadra Island, corresponding to field and non-field duties respectively. The position is primarily based at the field station during the spring and summer field season. The shift cycle of two-weeks on and one-week off requires a candidate who thrives on life at a remote workplace. The balance of effort shifts to an office environment on northern Vancouver Island or Quadra Island during fall and winter.
The major activities for this position include:
Field data / sample collection
Stream discharge measurement using all techniques
Freshwater biogeochemistry sampling using manual and automated techniques
Oceanographic sampling, in collaboration with oceanography staff
Sensor calibration and maintenance, for stream hydrology and biogeochemistry
Other field work as directed, including support for terrestrial ecosystems research
Lab analysis, preparatory work, and data management
Preparation of materials required for field collection, including organizing sample bottles, ensuring proper calibration of field equipment (YSI, discharge equipment)
Processing of samples to be shipped to off-site labs, and preparation of metadata
Operation of on-site lab equipment, particularly optical instruments
Regular data entry, including uploading data from mobile devices and performing initial quality control on uploaded data
Archiving raw laboratory data and working with IT and senior science staff to ensure data QC and integration into databases
Regular coordination meetings with lead research scientists, IT staff and technicians
Analysis and writing
Analysis of hydrological data, including rating curve development and discharge estimation
Analysis of biogeochemical data, including concentration and quality of dissolved organic matter
Generation of publication quality figures and other data summaries
Scientific writing for reports and publications
Computer programming and ability to work with programmers
Qualifications & Experience:
Education Requirements
Masters of Science in hydrology. Preference will be given to research addressing:
Watershed hydrology
Freshwater biogeochemistry
Watershed processes in the coastal temperate rainforest of Canada
Advanced course work should include four or more of the following or equivalent:
Watershed response analysis
Hydrological modelling
Hillslope hydrology
Ecohydrology
Isotope hydrology
Geospatial analysis / Geographic Information Systems
Other required training:
First Aid training at least equal to Level I OFA
Boat operation, on coastal waters, with at least Pleasure Craft Operators Certificate, Radio Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Marine) and Marine Basic First Aid.
Work Experience Requirements
The successful candidate will have experience and demonstrated success with job duties similar to those described above. Specifically this includes:
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, as a compliment to personnel specializing in technology, sampling, lab work and project management.
Stream gauging and rating curve development in coastal watersheds using salt-dilution and velocity-area methods
Automated salt dilution stream gauging
Computer programming in Python
Event-based stream sampling with rack and pump samplers
Water table monitoring with wells and pressure transducers
Leading field teams for aquatic biogeochemical sampling and stream discharge estimation, including training and mentorship
Sample QA/QC procedures
Production of high quality data in remote lab and field settings in all weather
Analytical lab analysis including optical measurement with Horiba Aqualog
Oceanographic sampling methods including CTD profiling and discrete Niskin bottle sampling for biogeochemical and microbial parameters
Deployment and/or maintenance of aquatic sensors for dissolved organic matter (fDOM) and carbon dioxide (pCO2)
Data collection with mobile devices and GPS
Rigorous analysis and interpretation of hydrological and biogeochemical data, including freshwater dissolved organic carbon
Scientific writing including hydrological and biogeochemical data, sample and sensor data.