University of Arizona
Researcher/Scientist IV (Extended Temporary Employment)
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States, 85718
Overview
Researcher/Scientist IV (Extended Temporary Employment) Posting Number req23933 Department: Sch of Nat Resource&Enviro-Res | Location: USDA Agricultural Research Service Office, 2000 E Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719 USA 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 to assess existing impacts of earthworks in the Southwest and evaluate potential impacts of new earthworks. Models will include impacts on vegetation, downstream water budget, and erosion, and calculations of watershed inputs under different event scenarios. Models will be developed for scientific and management objectives, resulting in novel findings and tools 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. Remote sensing data, LiDAR, and soils databases will be used to understand landscape conditions that drive long-term positive vs negative impacts of earthworks. The researcher will synthesize findings from models and data analysis to quantify 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; tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to 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, relocations services, and related details, please note that further information is available on the university site. Duties & Responsibilities
Lead development of a suite of models to assess existing impacts of earthworks in the Southwest and evaluate potential impacts of new earthworks. Models will include impacts on vegetation, downstream water budget, and erosion; developed for scientific and management objectives, yielding novel findings and tools for engineers designing new earthworks. Pair modeling work with data analysis on a database of legacy earthworks (berms and stock tanks) across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico to quantify existing earthwork impacts on the landscape. Utilize remotely sensed data, LiDAR, and soils databases to understand landscape conditions that drive positive vs negative long-term impacts of earthworks. Synthesize findings from models and data analysis to quantify existing and potential impacts of earthworks on Southwest landscapes. Collate project initiates, results, and future directions in reporting. Review results with managers and project scientists and provide recommendations to managers. Scientific writing for publication of two or more peer-reviewed manuscripts. Collaborate with USDA scientists to coordinate deliverables, assess project implications, analyze 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. Minimum Qualifications
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. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Google Earth Engine, soil sciences, hydraulic engineering, rangeland vegetation, or hydrology. Details
FLSA: Exempt Full Time Hours per Week: 40 Work Calendar: Fiscal Job Category: Research Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay: $75,540 - $98,201 Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 FTE Grade: 10 Career Stream and Level: PC4 Job Family: Researchers & Scientists Job Function: Research Number of Vacancies: 1 Target Hire Date: 10/10/2025 Expected End Date: 9/29/2027 Open Date: 9/15/2025 Open Until Filled: Yes Contact Information
Dr. Mitchel Mcclaran, Professor, Range Management, mcclaran@arizona.edu
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Researcher/Scientist IV (Extended Temporary Employment) Posting Number req23933 Department: Sch of Nat Resource&Enviro-Res | Location: USDA Agricultural Research Service Office, 2000 E Allen Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719 USA 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 to assess existing impacts of earthworks in the Southwest and evaluate potential impacts of new earthworks. Models will include impacts on vegetation, downstream water budget, and erosion, and calculations of watershed inputs under different event scenarios. Models will be developed for scientific and management objectives, resulting in novel findings and tools 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. Remote sensing data, LiDAR, and soils databases will be used to understand landscape conditions that drive long-term positive vs negative impacts of earthworks. The researcher will synthesize findings from models and data analysis to quantify 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; tuition reduction for employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to 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, relocations services, and related details, please note that further information is available on the university site. Duties & Responsibilities
Lead development of a suite of models to assess existing impacts of earthworks in the Southwest and evaluate potential impacts of new earthworks. Models will include impacts on vegetation, downstream water budget, and erosion; developed for scientific and management objectives, yielding novel findings and tools for engineers designing new earthworks. Pair modeling work with data analysis on a database of legacy earthworks (berms and stock tanks) across Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico to quantify existing earthwork impacts on the landscape. Utilize remotely sensed data, LiDAR, and soils databases to understand landscape conditions that drive positive vs negative long-term impacts of earthworks. Synthesize findings from models and data analysis to quantify existing and potential impacts of earthworks on Southwest landscapes. Collate project initiates, results, and future directions in reporting. Review results with managers and project scientists and provide recommendations to managers. Scientific writing for publication of two or more peer-reviewed manuscripts. Collaborate with USDA scientists to coordinate deliverables, assess project implications, analyze 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. Minimum Qualifications
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. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Google Earth Engine, soil sciences, hydraulic engineering, rangeland vegetation, or hydrology. Details
FLSA: Exempt Full Time Hours per Week: 40 Work Calendar: Fiscal Job Category: Research Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay: $75,540 - $98,201 Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 FTE Grade: 10 Career Stream and Level: PC4 Job Family: Researchers & Scientists Job Function: Research Number of Vacancies: 1 Target Hire Date: 10/10/2025 Expected End Date: 9/29/2027 Open Date: 9/15/2025 Open Until Filled: Yes Contact Information
Dr. Mitchel Mcclaran, Professor, Range Management, mcclaran@arizona.edu
#J-18808-Ljbffr