Researcher/Scientist IV (Extended Temporary Employment)

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona in cooperation with the USDA Southwest Watershed Research Center seeks to fill the role of Researcher/Scientist IV for a two-year project to assess the impacts of legacy earthen berms and stock tanks on ecohydrological processes and erosion in the southwestern United States. The researcher will lead development of a suite of models that will be used to assess existing impacts of earthworks in the Southwest and evaluate potential impacts of new earthworks. These models will include impacts of earthworks on vegetation, downstream water budget, and erosion, and calculations of associated watershed inputs under different event scenarios. Models will be developed both for scientific and management objectives, resulting in novel findings on the quantitative impacts of earthworks as well as novel tools for evaluating potential impacts for engineers designing new earthworks.

The researcher will pair modeling work with data analysis on a newly compiled database of legacy earthworks (berms and stock tanks) across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico to quantify existing earthwork impacts on the landscape. The researcher will take advantage of remotely sensed data, LiDAR, and soils databases to develop an understanding of landscape conditions that drive positive vs negative impacts of earthworks long-term. The researcher will be expected to synthesize findings from models and data analysis to quantify the existing and potential impacts of earthworks on Southwest landscapes.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

This position involves travel to various locations throughout the vicinity of Tucson Arizona to perform assigned duties.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

• Lead development of a suite of models that will be used to assess existing impacts of earthworks in the Southwest and evaluate potential impacts of new earthworks. These models will include impacts of earthworks on vegetation, downstream water budget, and erosion. Models will be developed both for scientific and management objectives, resulting in novel findings on the quantitative impacts of earthworks as well as novel tools for evaluating potential impacts for engineers designing new earthworks.
• Pair modeling work with data analysis on a newly compiled database of legacy earthworks (berms and stock tanks) across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico to quantify existing earthwork impacts on the landscape.
• Take advantage of remotely sensed data, LiDAR, and soils databases to develop an understanding of landscape conditions that drive positive vs negative impacts of earthworks long-term.
• Synthesize findings from models and data analysis to quantify the existing and potential impacts of earthworks on Southwest landscapes.
• Fully integrates project initiates, results, and future directions in reporting.
• Reviews results with managers and project scientists and make recommendations to managers.
• Scientific writing for publication of two or more peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Collaborates with USDA scientists to coordinate deliverables, assess the implications to the project, analyze the data, and provide recommendations for best practices and future use cases.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication skills.
• Computational skills including statistical and quantitative analysis, and programming ability in python.

• PhD in hydrology, remote sensing or a related field.
• 8 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education or work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience with Google Earth Engine, soil sciences, hydraulic engineering, rangeland vegetation, or hydrology.