Staff Research Scientist, Field Specialist

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute.  We want your  application process to go smoothly and quickly.  We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.
• Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or [email protected].

Job Description

The Division of Hydrologic Sciences of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a Staff Research Scientist, Field Specialist to assist the Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) in environmental research and data collection based out of its Las Vegas, NV campus. The successful applicant will work with DRI research personnel on hydrology, hydrogeology, and environmental science activities and will be involved in all aspects of scientific research including environmental laboratory activities, equipment testing and maintenance, field work, data collection and analysis, and report writing.

 

The CEMP Field Scientist position supports field work at CEMP stations through:

• Working independently and as a team to develop, fabricate, install, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair remote weather and radiological monitoring instrumentation;
• Using, maintaining, and repairing a variety of equipment, tools, and the associated safety gear/PPE;
• Conducting multi-day field trips to remote locations, driving long distances alone and performing all job functions in extreme weather conditions;
• Providing accurate records of inventory, field logs, purchases, travel, and labor performed;
• Assisting the CEMP team in acquisition, preparation, distribution, and proper storage of hazardous equipment/materials;
• Supervising and coordinating all fieldwork activities conducted by various personnel;
• Coordinating maintenance of station equipment and instrumentation with manufacturers
• Perform training of new Community Environmental Monitors
• Representing the CEMP by conducting outreach events within CEMP communities;
• Maintaining good communication with the CEMP team to keep all members of the team updated on current job/task status.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
• Previous experience working with instrumentation
• Demonstrated field experience, including working in remote locations
• Established mechanical aptitude, including familiarity with the use of hand and power tools, as well as basic knowledge of AC/DC current and experience with electrical/electronic equipment and systems (such as solar power systems, environmental sensors, and related instrumentation)
• Demonstrated experience with collecting, organizing, and analyzing data
• Proven ability to maintain quality, safety, and control standards
• Willingness to learn basic laboratory skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software (EXCEL, WORD, PowerPoint, Outlook), with basic EXCEL skills such as data entry, data formatting, and writing simple formulas.
• Use of strong oral and written communication skills
• Proven ability to work both independently and within a team setting, with diverse interests and abilities to adapt and learn new skills
• Accountable to maintain equipment and records such as timesheets, inventory, purchases, and field logs.

Preferred Qualifications

Greater consideration will be given to those who possess one or more of the following skills:

• Previous experience working with research grade environmental sensors, dataloggers, and remote electronics, including field installations (e.g., weather stations, well logging, water quality monitoring, power systems, telemetry devices)
• Previous experience writing and/or contributing to technical reports

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. Citizenship per sponsor funding requirements
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check
• Valid driver’s license required or ability to obtain one by date of hire
• Fieldwork in remote locations will regularly be required.
• Must be able to travel to local and regional locations for several days at a time on a regular basis.
• This position will require the ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting objects up to 40 lbs., and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling.

Salary/Benefits

Minimum starting salary is $60,206 and is commensurate with experience and education.  DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance; including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.

Organizational Summary

DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe.

Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s impact on humans. DRI’s impactful science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

The Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) is a network of 28 monitoring stations located in communities surrounding and downwind of the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), formerly the Nevada Test Site (NTS), that monitor the airborne environment for manmade radioactivity that could result from NNSS activities. The CEMP is a joint effort between the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration Nevada Site Office (NNSA/NFO), and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) of the Nevada System of Higher Education. One of the unique aspects of the program is that the CEMP provides a hands-on role for community members in station operation and data collection.

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent 

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• A cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this role at DRI

• A current resume

• Contact information for three professional references who will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission

 

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a hiring decision has been made.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0153951” in the search box.

For more detailed information about DRI and DRI faculty, research projects, and publications, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at 702-862-5548 or e-mail [email protected].

Posting Close Date

Note to Applicant

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.  

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.

Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment.  Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.

This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).

All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.