Hydrology Technician
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Catalina Segura
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Forest Engineering Resources & Management
Project Location:
Corvallis
Project Description:
The selected student will primarily provide field and data processing support related to meteorological instrumentation in the McDonald Forest. In addition the student will have an opportunity to provide field and laboratory support to hydrological studies in both the Coastal and Cascade Ranges. The student will assist downloading data from instrumentation installed to monitor meteorologic and hydrologic conditions in the McDonald Forest. The student will also be trained in instrumentation installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting as well as data QA/QC. These activities will provide a solid foundation to the mentee in the collection and management of hydrologic data.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
Some of the specific skills the mentee will acquire through this experience are:
1. Field techniques: Training in field data collection (keeping an organized field book and downloading data from a variety of hydrometric sensors), installation of instrumentation, safety procedures, and basic maintenance to instrumentation (e.g. battery and dry packs replacement).
2. Basic QA/QC of meteorological data.
3. Data organization and preparation of data summaries.
4. Operation of field sequential water samplers (ISCOs).
5. Opportunity to learn and use a water stable isotope analyzer
Field activities will primarily take place in the McDonald Forest; however, we also anticipate opportunities related to other projects in the Costal and Cascade Ranges. The student should be able to become authorized to drive motorpool vehicles to access sites in the McDonald Forest.
Hourly rate of pay:
$15.00
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
The activities will start ~ November 2023 until summer 2024.
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
No
Will training be provided?:
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
5
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
0.5-1
Detail your mentorship plan:
The selected student will closely interact with Seguras well as with students (graduate and undergraduate). This will provide access to a broad range of projects, ranging from stream restoration, sediment transport, catchment hydrology, geochemistry, and the effects of wildfire on water quantity and quality. The student will be given the opportunity to participate in group meeting per month. The student will meet monthly with Segura, some of these meetings will take place in my office while others will be arranged in the field or laboratory. During these meetings we will discuss relevant aspects of the work at hand but also we will provide perspective about the relevance of the work and its implications to water resources management and sustainability. These meetings will also provide opportunities to provide guidance in professional development.