Physical Science Technician, Springs Monitoring (NPS, Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring)

The Research Associate Program at Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service Mojave Desert Network, is recruiting one Physical Science Technician (Springs Monitoring). The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN) is one of 32 regional networks across the country that collect data on specific natural resources—the plants, animals, water, and ecosystems that can indicate the overall ecological health of our national parks. These data are collected for planning, research, and education, and to help guide decisions related to park resource management. For more information, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/im/mojn/index.htm. MOJN is seeking a field lead technician who will participate in monitoring the hydrology, ecology, and water quality of desert springs across the network. Compared to the surrounding desert, spring and wetland environments in the Mojave and Great Basin regions support a greater abundance and diversity of plant and animal life. Reliable water sources are scarce, so springs are often vital to the distribution and connectivity of wildlife habitat across the landscape. We monitor water availability, water quality, and site condition at springs to identify threats and detect changes in their condition over time. This position is primarily focused on field work, although office work will also be required. Because this is a field lead position, it will also involve logistics and planning for travel. Springs monitoring will be carried out in five national park units: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, and Parashant National Monument. Field work can be strenuous and involve long hikes on rugged terrain. Regular overnight travel and car camping will occur, often in backcountry locations with no amenities. Long drives on highways and unimproved dirt roads are often necessary to access remote sites. Effective communication skills are essential for working on small teams. Primary Responsibilities: - Collect and download hydrological and ecological data at desert springs using established procedures (training provided); - Conduct quality assurance and quality control of data, both in the field and office; - Locate and navigate to field sites using GPS and topo maps; - Hike long distances over rough terrain; - Car camp in primitive conditions; - Drive 4WD vehicles on highways and unimproved dirt roads; - Maintain and disinfect field vehicles, sampling equipment, and camping gear; - Collaborate with MOJN staff on project planning, logistics, and safety. **Timeline**: October 2025-April 2026, 26 weeks; Full time (40 hours/week); Schedule: Variable depending on field work, typically M-Th or M-F, 8-10 hours daily. **Location**: The duty station for this position is based at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, NV. Boulder City is about 10 miles southeast of Las Vegas, NV. While famous for its neon lights and nightlife, Las Vegas is surrounded by public land on all sides, with Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the west, Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area to the south, Red Rock National Conservation Area and Spring Mountain National Forest to the west, and Desert National Wildlife Refuge to the north. Additional parks, monuments, and refuges can be reached within a few hours of driving in any direction. Outdoor recreational opportunities nearby include hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, kayaking, mountain biking, and birding, along with skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Las Vegas also offers the amenities of a large city, including dining, entertainment, and retail. **Compensation and Benefits:** Compensation: $24 hourly; Benefits: - Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums; - $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost; - Personal leave and holidays; - Access to Pro Deals; Housing: - Will not be pr…