Water Program Research Associate

SUPERVISOR: Scott Roberts, Director of Water Programs   

LOCATION: The position will be based in Durango, CO or Silverton, CO

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is a 501 (c)(3) non-advocacy, mountain education and research nonprofit established in 2002. MSI was created to increase knowledge of our unique mountain environments, deepen our understanding of the issues that affect them, and develop solutions for the benefit of our vibrant mountain communities. We build partnerships to steward natural and cultural values by engaging scientists, citizens, and land managers to innovate solutions through advancing research, promoting education, and developing best practices to put science into action.  

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is seeking a motivated and dedicated individual to become a research associate in MSI’s Water Team. This position will support the MSI water team’s applied research initiatives related to riparian and wetland restoration, the nexus between water resources and forestry management, watershed condition, and incorporating hydrologic science into broader efforts in landscape ecology, and watershed management. The position will support research and restoration projects in the San Juan Mountain region related to ecohydrological function, restoration efficacy, water quality, spatial analysis, benthic macroinvertebrate assessment, and ecosystem resiliency. The position will be split between programmatic work including field, lab, analysis, reporting duties, and assist in the development of new initiatives. The expectation is that this individual will be able to independently lead projects to completion with limited assistance from program directors.

With oversight from the Director of Water Programs, the Research Associate will:

• Lead and/or participate in the full life cycle of research projects including study design, field implementation, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting
• Assist with project management including assisting with contracting and grant administration, budgeting, and project tracking
• Coordinate and participate in field campaigns across multiple partner entities and subcontractors to accomplish restoration and research goals
• Maintain effective relationships with partners and community
• Initiate new project proposals and grant applications in line with MSI’s mission
• Assist in peer reviewed publications

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate will have a passion for mountains, mountain communities, and solution-oriented science; adept at both field and office analytical tasks; and demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions in a mountainous field setting across all seasons. They will thrive in a team atmosphere and bring a proactive approach to addressing the needs of a dynamic organization. They will competently balance multiple and diverse overlapping project timelines and will creatively find solutions. Occasional long days, evenings, and/or weekends are required. A successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, team player, and resourceful with ability to take initiative and follow-through on independent projects. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field including Hydrology, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Snow Science, etc.
• Experience conducting independent research
• >1 year in a similar or related field directly relevant to mountain research
• > 1 year of project management experience
• Highly experienced with wetland and stream restoration concepts, principles, and design
• Highly experienced in writing technical reports
• Highly experienced with the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Access
• Highly experienced with geographic information systems (can include ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Survey 123, Q GIS, python, R, Google Earth Engine) and spatial data management
• Experience with database management (R, Access, MatLab)
• Experience with statistical analysis and associated software packages (R, python, JMP, SAS, etc.)
• Experience with multi-mode backcountry travel in all seasons. Demonstrated ability to make situational decisions while in a field setting based on personal/group/team safety: terrain, weather, conditions, etc.
• Experience with field hydrology techniques including cross-sectional discharge measurements, and the installation and operation of stream gages
• Wilderness First Aid or higher. Minimum AIARE Avalanche 1 or equivalent, or ability to obtain
• Ability to carry a 30+ pound pack while hiking on uneven terrain in elevations ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 feet
• A valid driver’s license, personal automotive insurance, and experience operating a four-wheel drive vehicle in mountain and winter conditions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Masters or PhD in a relevant field including Hydrology, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Snow Science, etc.
• Experience with tribal, state, and federal government agencies (Southern Ute Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Navajo Nation, EPA, BLM, USFS, CDPHE, DRMS, USACE), and government programs and regulations (CERCLA, NEPA, Clean Water Act, etc.)
• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with experimental design
• Experience in snow science including snow surveys, snow stability, snow water equivalent
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of In-Situ, Onset, HydroLab, or other dataloggers and hand-held meters
• Experience with benthic macroinvertebrate collection and identification
• Experience in database creation, data QA/QC, and database management
• Experience teaching and leading groups of all ages in the field for environmental education
• 24 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER training

Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, educational experience and coursework, work experience, other related qualifications, skills, and experience. No candidate will meet every requirement. If you’re excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.

BACKGROUND CHECK 

Selected candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check prior to their start date. 

DIVERSITY MAKES US STRONGER  

MSI aims to build a welcoming, inclusive team that is as diverse as the many mountain communities we serve. We seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an environment where all staff are valued and respected.  

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position. This policy applies to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination.