Laboratory & Watershed Science Technician
Position Title: Laboratory & Watershed Science Technician
Position Summary: The ROSSyndicate at Colorado State University in conjunction with the US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station (RMRS) are hiring one technician to assist with the monitoring of water quality across the Cache la Poudre River watershed. This research investigates the various water quality impacts of the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire – as well as agricultural and urban impacts – on water quality, stream metabolism, sediment delivery and watershed recovery.
For more information about the lab or research projects, please visit the ROSSyndicate website at https://rossyndicate.com/projects/upper_poudre/ or the RMRS website at https://research.fs.usda.gov/rmrs.
Department: Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Responsibilities/Duties:
• Preparing and processing water samples at the RMRS biogeochemistry lab according to established wet chemistry protocols (60%)
• Collecting field samples within the Cache la Poudre River watershed (20%)
• Measuring streamflow or other measurements at water quality sites (10%)
• Installing, operating, and maintaining in-situ sensors and dataloggers (10%)
Required Qualifications:
• Enrollment at Colorado State University in chemistry, biology, geology, hydrology, forestry, ecology, or another earth system science field
• Ability to carefully collect, record, and organize detailed data in the field
• Ability to meticulously follow lab protocols
• Ability to think critically and complete tasks independently and efficiently
• Punctuality and dependability
• Excellent physical condition and experience in hiking, backcountry travel, and first aid
• Valid driver’s license
• Flexibility with changes in schedule and daily operations
Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with wet lab procedures (e.g., filtration, pipetting, dilutions, calibrant creation)
• Familiarity with common wet lab instrumentation (chromatography, FIA, automated titration, fluorometry)
• Familiarity with dataloggers and water quality sensors
• Familiarity with discharge measurement methods
• Access to a vehicle and willingness to occasionally drive to and from field sites
• Experience operating and recovering 4-wheel drive vehicles
This work will primarily occur in the RMRS lab and requires the ability to carry objects up to 50 pounds and complete repetitive tasks. Field work requires strenuous physical exertion, such as hiking with heavy field gear over steep forested terrain and is often done in remote, isolated areas and in inclement (rainy, cold, and hot) weather conditions.
Number of weekly working hours: 10-20 hours a week
Potential Start date and duration: Mid-May through October 2025
Number of Openings: 1
Hourly Pay Rate: $18-25/hour (contingent on experience)
Application Instructions: Applications will not be accepted in Handshake. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to Sam Struthers (Samuel.struthers@colostate.edu)
Employee Benefits: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.