The Intermountain Center for River Restoration and Rehabilitation at Utah State University has an immediate opening for a post-doctoral fellow to work on research related to geomorphic change detection. We are looking for an energetic and talented scientist with strong analytical skills, a background in spatial analysis and/or modeling, demonstrated proficiency in GIS, and an interest in undertaking complementary field work. The candidate should possess a PhD in Earth Sciences, Geosciences, Watershed Sciences, Hydrology, Physical Geography or a related discipline and have research interests in fluvial geomorphology. The ideal candidate will have a background in monitoring river channel change and an interest in how the synthesis of such monitoring activities can be used to inform the adaptive management and/or restoration of rivers. Programming and/or scripting experience is a plus. Training in geomatics/surveying and geomorphic change detection techniques will be provided as appropriate to carry out the research.

The successful applicant will be based at Utah State University working primarily with Joe Wheaton (Watershed Sciences, USU) and in collaboration with the Grand Canyon Monitoring Research Center (USGS). The focus of the first year of this post-doc will be tied to a project looking at change detection of an extensive long-term repeat topographic surveying monitoring dataset in the Grand Canyon. The PI will work with the successful applicant to identify other research programs that foster professional development. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year and may be extended contingent on performance and availability of funding. A competitive salary and full benefits package will be offered.

Interested applicants should submit a zip file with PDFs of CV, statement of interest, a writing example (e.g. publication or manuscript), and contact details for at least two references to the USU Job Site (Search for Watershed Sciences Positions). Any other queries can be directed to Joe.Wheaton@usu.edu. Applications will be reviewed July 1st.

Daniele Tonina from the Center for Ecohydraulic Research in Boise will be giving the Watershed Sciences Departmental Seminar in BNR 314 on Tuesday, the 13th of April at 4:00 PM.

See abstract here.

POSITIONS FILLED

If you are a Utah State University undergraduate looking for field experience working in rivers this Spring and Summer, we are now hiring seasonal field technicians /surveyors. We will train you in the use of total stations, laser scanners, and GPS survey equipment as well as the deployment of other monitoring instrumentation. Field projects range from those here in our back yard up Logan Canyon to field expeditions in Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Colorado. See the USU Job Board for details on how to apply (Job C436-10).

We are also hiring one short-term Database and Web Development Technician through the end of the semester. See the USU Job Board for details on how to apply (Job C435-10). 

We will be presenting the following posters at the Fall 2009 AGU Meeting in San Francisco from Dec 14-18:

EP23A-0625. Implications of Geomorphic Change on Salmonid Habitat Using a Narrow-Beam Terrestrial-Aquatic Lidar and DEM Uncertainty Accounting .  J. M. Wheaton; J. A. McKean; D. Tonina; C. Garrard View Abstract. On Tue, Dec 15 Afternoon Session from 1:40 PM in Moscone South.

H33E-0928. From Snow to Rain: Assessing streamflow sensitivity to changes in climate using a hydrologic model for the Salmon River Basin, Idaho.  C. Tang; B. T. Crosby; J. M. Wheaton View Abstract. On Wed, Dec 16 Afternoon Session from 1:40 PM in Moscone South.

Hope to see you there.

SEARCH CLOSED... Thank you to the many outstanding applicants we had for this position. The search committee is currently processing applications.

Utah State University has a longstanding, productive relationship with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) with respect to research on freshwater mussels in the Columbia River Basin.   We are currently seeking a graduate student to assist with new project:  understanding the relationship between freshwater mussels (Margaritifera falcata) and their habitats and ecological communities.  This information will be directly relevant to habitat restoration and future translocation projects in the Umatilla River system in northeastern Oregon.  We are seeking a student with interests in geomorphology, ecology, and community dynamics.

 

The student will have an opportunity to work with USU faculty members (Dr. Scott Miller in aquatic ecology and Dr. Joe Wheaton in fluvial geomorphology) to refine the scope of work for this project, based on an initial semester of gathering data and information about the Umatilla and John Day River systems.  We anticipate that the student will begin in January 2010.

 

Required Qualifications: Successful completion of a BS degree related to freshwater biology or watershed science, demonstrated ability to work independently.

 

Application:  Submit a letter of interest, a CV, a transcript (unofficial is suitable initially) and contact information for three references to: Dr. Karen Mock, karen.mock@usu.edu.  Questions about the position may also be directed to Dr. Mock.

I've parsed most of the content from my joewheaton.org.uk domain over to my joewheaton.org site, which is now powered by Google Sites. The move should allow the simpler integration of more dynamic content.  

We are excited to welcome Kenny DeMeurichy to our research group to fill the  research technician opening we had. Kenny comes to us from Sun Valley, ID and brings a wealth of surveying experience and background to our program. 

The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University seeks a full-time research/field technician to conduct topographic surveys and related analyses as part of field monitoring campaigns in rivers and watersheds throughout the West.  The successful applicant will use a total station, GPS, terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), and small blimp to conduct field surveys and will use a mix of software packages to process the data into various topographic products to support research in the department.  On average, roughly 25-30% of the time will be spent in the field and the remainder in the office. Full training on the use of TLS and other survey equipment as well the software will be provided, but prior surveying experience or training is a must. Field surveys planned for this year include projects in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon.  Contract is for one year, with potential for renewal indefinitely. Please visit http://jobs.usu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=54233  for more information and to apply. Contact Joe.Wheaton@usu.edu for further information.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Chunling Tang who brings a wealth of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and model development experience to the EPSCoR Idaho team.