POSITION DETAILS
Position Title: Hydrology Assistant
Park Unit: Hot Springs National Park
Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Number of positions available: 1
Can this position be fully remote: NO
INTERNSHIP DATES AND LENGTH
Duration: 26 weeks
Start Date: 11/6/2023
Flexible Start Date: YES
LIVING AND RELOCATION ALLOWANCE:
Weekly Stipend: $525.00
Relocation Allowance: $400.00
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Hydrologic Technician Intern: The intern's primary responsibilities will be to calibrate, maintain, and use multiparameter meters for the measurement of temperature, pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and acid neutralizing capacity at 32 hot springs. Secondary responsibilities will include the development of printed and digital interpretive material and the creation and presentation of formal interpretive programming about the park’s hydrogeology and other natural resources. Other duties may include assistance with other projects in natural or cultural resource management such as wildlife surveys, air quality monitoring, GIS training, cross-training with other park divisions, and archival research.
POSITION IMPACT
The intern hired for this position will be an integral member of the natural resource management team, helping to achieve management goals for the park’s primary resource – its thermal water – through research, monitoring, and characterization of the hot springs’ physical parameters, aiding in visitor outreach and education about the geothermal hydrology of the hot springs and the life forms that call them home, and assisting the Natural Resource Program Manager by creating reports, interpretive programs, and digital and printed educational materials to inform park management decisions and expand visitor understanding and satisfaction.
DELIVERABLES
- Comprehensive scientific report of data collected, which should include a record of the weekly spring monitoring for each of the 32 sites. This information will be provided to the park’s managers and may be published, particularly in park compliance documents.
- A well-organized database of water quality data will be maintained. All field notebooks used to collect data must be legible and will be kept at the park for archival.
- Interpretive programming (water quality, hydrogeology, thermophiles, etc.) – the intern will develop and present an interpretive program for the public; this program will be repeated weekly throughout the winter and should be appropriate for a general audience of all comprehension levels.
- Flow rate data will be collected and analyzed for future use on upcoming construction projects within the park.
DESIRED INTERN QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have at least 60 hours of undergraduate coursework in the physical sciences or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Courses in geology, chemistry, and hydrology are desired. Well qualified applicants will have a Bachelor’s degree or at least 120 hours towards a Bachelor’s degree in the physical or life sciences or a closely related field (Geology, Hydrology, Geochemistry, Biology, etc.) from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Master's and PhD. students are welcome to apply for this position. Recently graduated applicants will be considered first.
Experience with YSI multi-parameter probes, IDEXX bacteria processing equipment, Pylon air quality monitors, and data entry/database maintenance is preferred though not necessary. Applicants should also have strong communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Interpretive experience, especially with digital media and publications, is desired. Basic computer skills are required. The position is subject to a federal background investigation clearance. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”). Prior to starting this position, a government security background clearance will be required.
WORK SETTING
Natural Environment: Hot Springs National Park is within the Zig Zag area of the Ouachita Mountains, and the terrain of the park is narrow valleys and steeply inclined slopes topped with novaculite outcrops. The maximum elevation within park boundaries is just over 1,200 feet. The park surrounds the north end of the City of Hot Springs, and there is considerable urban interface.
The city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, (population of 35,000) in Garland County (population 97,000) offers a wide variety of entertainment and recreation options, including a small amusement park, and the nearby lakes, forests, and rivers provide ample opportunity for outdoor adventures.
Physical Work Environment: Winters in central Arkansas are relatively mild with some threat of freezing, with daily temperatures ranging from 70 in early November to upper 30's low 40's in January and February. There may be some threat of ice or snow but this usually is only a trace. Biting insects and other wildlife are likely field work risks. Interns will be expected to complete many physically challenging tasks in the conditions described. A set of steel toe boots and hiking boots are required for this position. Composite toe hiking boots will work as well. Winter jackets and base layers are required as well.
The intern office space is within the Lamar Bathhouse, near the south end of Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District. Each intern will be provided with an individual workspace, which will include a desk, desk chair, computer, and lockable storage.
VEHICLE AND DRIVERS LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Yes, applicant will need a valid driver's license in order to drive a government vehicle.
- A personal vehicle is REQUIRED for this position.
HOUSING
Yes. Park housing is available and will be provided at no cost to the participant.
Shared Park housing is available at Hot Springs National Park campground and is fully furnished with all amenities. This is a 10-minute drive from the Natural Resouces Management office or a 20-minute bike ride. Though if the SIP intern wishes to bring their own bedding they can. Camping gear is also recommended but not necessary.
KEYWORDS
Hydrology, Sampling, Field Based, Research, Air Quality