Job Description
Job Description Position Summary: The individual in this position will work at the US Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station biogeochemical laboratory in Fort Collins, CO and conduct lake and river water quality monitoring and analysis in conjunction with the US Forest Service’s Air Resource program and wilderness areas and management units throughout the National Forest System. This project will provide USFS air resource managers, policy makers, water providers and citizens to help evaluate the water quality of wilderness lakes and rivers. Conditions of Employment: Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the start of the position. Must be able to hike 5-8 miles per day across rolling terrain while carrying a 30 pound pack. Must be able to swim because wading in water is a part of the job. This position requires special safety precautions related to working around moving parts, carts, or machines, or irritant chemicals. Employees are required to wear protective clothing or gear such as hard hats, masks, gowns, ear plugs, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and/or shields to moderate risks, and they are required to follow procedures for minimizing risk. Protective clothing/gear will be provided. Essential Job Duties: Analyze chemistry and test low-ionic strength precipitation, stream water, soil nutrients and plant tissues. Conduct recurring quantitative or qualitative analyses using analytical instruments such as gas chromatographs, spectrophotometers, total organic carbon analyzers, and mass spectrometers Prepare laboratory samples for analysis by using methods such as drying, grinding, filtration, preservation, and centrifugation. Compile data from multiple sources and analyze results of field data, laboratory data, and/or literature search. Recognize and resolve deviations in data. Generate, assemble, and edit data through various test platforms. Organize information and interprets results. coordinate and track shipping of sampling supplies to collaborating USFS units, track and log sample arrival and analysis. catalog and organize new and archived samples. Develop and maintain detailed records of all experimental or other protocols and results and ensure they are neatly kept and catalogued in appropriate format. Maintain detailed laboratory records such as computer database observation records, graphical representations, and spreadsheets showing calculations from laboratory data. Record information pertaining to the storage of samples and reagents and complete appropriate tracking/inventory system information. Present data to the supervisor in a logical and systematic fashion. Responsible for some data analysis including arithmetic calculations, algebra, graphing of data using interactive computer programs and preliminary statistical evaluations. Use appropriate handling procedures for hazardous specimens, chemicals, etc. Adhere to safe laboratory practices for working in biosafety environments. Properly disposes of potentially hazardous waste. conduct routine laboratory support functions such as shipping, receiving, sample storage, ordering, inventory, or other comparable tasks. Determine compliance with safety requirements, establish inventory and equipment maintenance requirements and maintains appropriate inventories and maintenance schedules. Maintain laboratory stock and order materials as needed. Required Qualifications: NOTE: In the body of your resume, please specifically address all required qualifications when describing your work experience. A resume that fails to address the qualifications of this position will not be considered by the search committee. Bachelor’s Degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering. experience calibrating and operating chemistry- specific analytical instruments associated with water, soil and vegetation analysis such as ion chromatography, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen analysis, dry combustion C and N analysis, flow injection auto-analyzers, fluorescence spectroscopy, nephelometers, and acid-neutralizing capacity titrations. experience performing standard wet chemistry laboratory procedures and using computer software related to laboratory specific instrumentation. experience writing laboratory reports identifying a sample and stating the methods and procedures used for analysis, validity of the data and results.