AWI Part-Time Field Technician

AWI Part-Time Field Technician at Adirondack Watershed Institute

• Position: AWI Part-Time Field Technician
• Status:
  Part-time (20‑48 hours per month during February, April, May, July, September), non‑exempt, staff
• Department:
  Adirondack Watershed Institute
• Reports to:
  
  AWI Research Associate
• Salary: $20.00 to $25.00 per hour

The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is hiring a part‑time field technician to support its Water Quality staff in the field. The position requires working outdoors in sometimes inclement weather and traveling to remote locations across the Adirondacks. The fieldwork may involve hiking up to 14 miles and working 10+ hours per day, including long driving hours.

The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to protect clean water, conserve habitat, and support the health and wellbeing of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real‑world experiences for students.

• Provide sample transportation between AWI laboratory and Albany, NY periodically.
• Assist with AWI research projects and contracted work in various ways, including but not limited to:
  • Collect physical, chemical, and biological samples from lakes and streams throughout the year in all weather conditions, including in winter, often in remote backcountry locations.
  • Help maintain AWI’s field gear, instrument calibration, and pre‑fieldwork prep.
  • Help with equipment decontamination.
  • Support field operations such as general organization, cleanliness, and upkeep of equipment and instruments.
  • Record keeping and data entry.
• Other duties relating to the mission of AWI as needed.

Year‑round, primarily in February, April, May, July, and September. Work is scheduled Monday–Thursday and may vary in days and hours based on project workflow. Anticipated 20‑48 hours each of the months listed above.

• Ability to work in inclement weather outdoors, including on motorized and non‑motorized watercraft (e.g., canoes).
• Ability to spend extensive time on your feet.
• Ability to hike and ski with a heavy pack over long distances.
• Experience with land navigation and working in remote outdoor environments. Ability to lift 40 lb.
• New York State Driver’s license and a clean driving record acceptable to the College’s insurance carrier.
• Access to a dependable personal vehicle.
• Ability to perform duties independently and proactively.
• Commitment to at least 3 days of work during the months of February, April, May, July, and September.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive workplace.

• College coursework in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, or other natural sciences.
• A genuine interest in environmental science and a desire to gain field experience.

• Work is consistently performed in an outdoor setting with variable weather and temperature ranges.
• Fieldwork sites may be in remote locations many miles from the nearest road.
• Ability to regularly lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent lifting and carrying moderate to heavy field equipment, including canoes.
• Prolonged hiking (up to 16 miles in a day), standing or boating majority of the workday to complete responsibilities.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Manual dexterity for handling ropes and cables while on the water.
• Adept balance while working from motorized and non‑motorized watercraft.
• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.