Summer Research Technician: Urban Hydrology

Summer Research Technician: Urban Hydrology

Company:
University of Colorado Boulder

Job Location:

Category:
Laboratory and Research

Type:
Adjunct/Part-Time

Requisition Number: 71046

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Part-Time

Posting Close Date: 09-Apr-2026

Date Posted: 07-Apr-2026

Job Summary

This is a summer temporary researcher position in the Oleksy and Bhaskar labs at the University of Colorado-Boulder exploring the impacts of water-wise landscaping on water quality compared to conventional turfgrass suburban development. The successful candidate for this position will support opportunistic stream sampling in Sterling Gulch, in Sterling Ranch, Colorado. Main work tasks will include collecting water samples during flow events, measuring water quality parameters using an aquatic sonde, and other general laboratory tasks, including acid washing and data entry. Expected weekly commitment will be ~25 hours starting between $19 - $20 an hour. If the candidate's schedule allows, there is possibility of beginning the position in mid-Spring 2026 semester.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

As the University's oldest institute, INSTAAR has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues including climate change. Our traditional focus has been on alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. INSTAAR's research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world's oceans.Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR's national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Conduct opportunistic field sampling during storm events at an urban stream site near Sterling Ranch, CO. Maintain field equipment and materials for sampling. Perform general laboratory tasks, including: Acid washing of bottles and lab materials, Sample handling, labeling, and storage. Basic lab organization and cleaning. Maintain detailed field and lab notes. Following sampling events, water samples will be driven to Colorado Analytical for analysis. Data analysis including classifying low-water landscape type in Sterling Ranch using aerial imagery within each sampling point's drainage basin. Preference will be given to candidates who live near Sterling Ranch.

What We Can Offer

$19/hour - $20/hour

Benefits
Temporary positions at the University of Colorado are not benefits-eligible, however, all positions are eligible for paid sick leave.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Current or recent undergraduate student in environmental science, ecology, geology, hydrology, chemistry, or a related field. Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions, including during and after storm events. Willingness to perform routine laboratory tasks, including acid washing. Dependable, detail-oriented, and able to work independently when needed. Valid driver's license and ability to travel to the field site at odd hours (e.g., capturing water quality runoff during storm events may not fall between 8am-5pm but will not be expected between midnight and 6am).

What You Will Need

Experience in limnological sampling methods including grab samples, van dorn samplers, and YSI ProDSS water quality sondes. Data analysis and visualization skills using R programming language. Experience working outdoors in adverse conditions.

What We Would Like You to Have

Prior experience in basic lab techniques including acid washing and sample prep and processing are a plus. Educational background in Hydrology and Ecosystem Ecology. Basic understanding of groundwater modeling concepts.

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
1. Resume or CV.
Please apply by 4/9/26 for consideration.Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.