Hydrology Technician

Location: Taylorsville, CA – with project work in Lassen and Plumas National Forests

Season Dates: May/June to September/October (season dependent on weather conditions; start/end dates may be flexible for those with scheduling conflicts)

Compensation: $21.50 – 23.00/hr. (commensurate with experience)

Benefits: paid sick, holiday, and wildfire mitigation leave

Training: hydrologic and geomorphic survey methods, meadow plant identification, and Wilderness First Aid.

Position Description:

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute) is hiring a Hydrology Technician to conduct meadow, stream, and road assessments. The goal is to develop and prioritize stream and meadow restoration projects in the Sierra Nevada’s anadromous watersheds. The work will be done in collaboration with the Lassen National Forest, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Point Blue Conservation Science. Meadow assessments will include surveys to evaluate meadow conditions, such as channel morphology, stream bank stability, erosion, and riparian vegetation. Stream assessment protocols will be used to analyze stream health based on hydrology, floodplain connectivity, riparian vegetation, bank stability, bedform diversity, water quality, and biological indicators. Road-stream intersections will also be assessed for restoration needs. This position offers a great opportunity to contribute to watershed restoration priorities in the northern Sierra Nevada while gaining hands-on experience in a variety of field surveys. The applicant should be able to hike up to six miles daily with a pack weighing up to forty pounds. The Hydrology Technician will have the chance to explore some of the largest and most biologically important meadow systems in northeastern California during the summer season. There may also be opportunities to participate in similar activities for other collaborative restoration projects and gain experience in various natural resource management tasks. This position is part of a partnership between Sierra Institute for Community and Environment, the US Forest Service, and US National Park Service to accelerate restoration in Antelope, Battle, Deer, and Mill Creek watersheds, which support the last remaining wild salmon populations in the Sierra Nevada.

Responsibilities:

The Hydrology Technician will work as part of a team to safely conduct surveys in remote areas to identify and prioritize restoration actions for meadows and streams. This position offers an incredible opportunity to learn fundamental skills in meadow and stream assessment, which may lead to future work in watershed restoration throughout the western US. Training will be provided in meadow, stream, and road assessments, as well as hydrology and associated botany identification. The incumbent is expected to practice situational awareness and address safety concerns.

Qualifications:

• One Hydrology Technician position at two experience levels.
• To qualify, meet eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below:

Hydrology Technician I:

• 1 year of general experience demonstrating ability to work with hydrologic practices and procedures.
• OR 2 full years of study above high school level, including at least 12 semester hours in hydrology, geology, engineering, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

Hydrology Technician II:

• 2 years of general experience demonstrating ability to work with hydrologic practices and procedures.
• OR completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree with major study in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or with at least 24 semester hours in hydrology, geology, engineering, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics.

Other Requirements:

• Must be 18 to apply.
• Demonstrated interest in wildland hydrology, e.g. geomorphology, forest and meadow ecology, stream restoration, environmental engineering, fisheries, or related fields.
• Ability to perform physically taxing work in all weather conditions in rugged mountainous environments.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in backcountry travel.
• Sufficient equipment, including sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.
• Good communication skills to interact with the public and co-workers.
• Interest in, or familiarity with, principles of fluvial geomorphology, meadow restoration, rural road management.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge or familiarity with northern California specific hydrology, geology, and physical geography.
• Experience working as part of a field crew or team, safety management, and collecting/managing field data.
• Any current wilderness medical training certification (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT).

Compensation:

• Hydrology Technician I: $21.50 per hour.
• Hydrology Technician II: $23.00 per hour.
• Full-time term appointment for up to 26 weeks.

About the Sierra Institute:

• Promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities.
• Invests in the well-being of rural communities and strengthens their participation in natural resource management.
• Located in Taylorsville, CA, within the Indian Valley area.