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

- **Company:** Great Basin Institute
- **Location:** Boulder City, NV, United States
- **Salary:** $49,920.0
- **Contract:** Temporary contract
- **Skills:** Geographic Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- **Published:** July 20, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=6e4ddaee37f7fa72

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in science or engineering;
 * Must provide a valid driver's license and possess a clean driving record;
 * Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to DOI human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application;
 * Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day for multiple days on steep or rugged terrain in variable weather conditions;
 * Ability to car camp for multiple days in remote locations with no amenities;
 * Ability to operate 4WD vehicles on unimproved and potentially rough dirt roads;
 * Ability to work independently and as part of a small team to accomplish program goals;
 * Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and colleagues;
 * Attention to detail and data quality;
 * Excellent organizational skills.
 * Must meet PLC eligibility

Preferred:

 * Hiking or working in desert environments;
 * Operating water quality instruments;
 * Identifying plants of the Mojave or Great Basin regions;
 * Using Survey123, AGOL, or other GIS software.

## Description

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., In addition, field work may be performed during inclement weather conditions, such as cold, snow, rain, wind, and heat. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Field work will often involve car camping for multiple days at a time in primitive conditions, with no access to running water.


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