Research Assistant (Water Department)

Conservation Maven; California; On-site; USD 66,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complete benefits package

Job summary

County of Inyo seeks a Research Assistant in the Water Department to support vegetation, soil water, hydrology, and related ecological studies in Owens Valley. The role includes fieldwork, data collection, and coordination with seasonal staff across multiple sites, including Independence and remote Owens Valley locations.

The ideal candidate holds an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science and can operate field/lab equipment, interpret GIS data, and

Qualifications

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, soil science, environmental science, or related environmental field.
• Related field experience as a research assistant, field technician, or similar position.

Responsibilities

• Assist in research and monitoring activities related to vegetation, soil water, hydrology, and biologic surveys.
• Collect and organize field and laboratory data using standardized procedures; interpret aerial photography, maps, and GIS layers.
• Assist in preparing technical reports and coordinate with seasonal staff across field campaigns.
• Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment; support pesticide application and safety practices.

Skills

GIS layers

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

ArcGIS

Communication

Field safety

Outdoor work

Driving license

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biology or environmental field

Tools

4-wheel drive access

Pesticide applicator certificate

Job description

### Research Assistant (Water Department)Save JobCounty of Inyo (CA)Independence,California| | || --- | --- || Job Type | Permanent || Salary | $65,701.68 - $85,364.28 per year || Benefits | We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. For details, please visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/inyocounty/jobs/5520061/research-assistant || Deadline | Oct 29, 2026 || Min. Experience | 0 - 1 year |**WATER DEPARTMENT**This position is with the Inyo County Water Department. To learn more about our department, including our mission and current projects, please visit our website: https://inyowater.org.**JOB DESCRIPTION**Assist scientists and staff in research, monitoring, and related activities, and to coordinate with activities of seasonal and/or temporary research assistants**EXAMPLES OF DUTIES**Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:* Assist in research and monitoring activities related to vegetation, soil water, hydrology, and biologic surveys* Collect and organize field and laboratory data which includes accessing remote areas using 4-wheel drive vehicles, carrying out field work according to standardized procedures, and interpreting aerial photography, maps and GIS layers* Manage and interpret data using basic analytical techniques* Assist in preparing technical reports* Assist with training of seasonal and/or temporary field assistants and coordinate activities with these staff* May be assigned daily fieldwork in October-March to eradicate the invasive shrub salt cedar including organizing a field campaign and/or coordinating with Los Angeles Department of Water and Power salt cedar control program including adhering to safety instructions* Operation of hand and power tools* Pesticide application* Ensure that salt cedar program facilities, pesticide, and equipment are effectively utilized**QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS****EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:*** An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, soil science, environmental science, or related environmental field* Related field experience as a research assistant, field technician, or similar position**KNOWLEDGE OF:*** Principles of biology, botany, zoology, ecology, or soil science* Basic scientific research principles and procedures* Mathematics and statistics* Scientific data collection practices and report preparation* Owens Valley and Inyo County geography, flora, fauna, ecology, and hydrology**ABILITY TO:*** Organize and carry out activities with minimal supervision* Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment* Read and interpret aerial photographs, maps, and GIS layers* Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel* Proficiency in Arc GIS desired* Communicate well orally and in writing* Work independently and cooperate with others* Work outdoors all day in the Owens Valley throughout the year in conditions that may include sun, heat, wind, cold, insects, or dust* Capable of walking safely 5-10 miles per day* Carry up to 30 pounds of field and personal equipment* Maintain a safe working environment at all times**SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:*** Must possess or be able to obtain a valid California driver's license* Must successfully complete pre-employment background check* The candidate upon hiring must pass radiation safety and neutron gauge operator's course* Obtain and maintain a qualified pesticide applicator certificate issued by the State of California**WORK LOCATION:** The County of Inyo has work sites located throughout the Owens Valley (Independence, Bishop, Lone Pine, Big Pine, and Olancha) and the Death Valley area (Death Valley, Tecopa, and Shoshone). All Inyo County positions are considered Countywide. Positions are assigned to a work site based upon the needs of the County. Positions may be temporarily or permanently reassigned to another work site as deemed necessary by the Department Head and/or County Administration.How To ApplyTo apply, please visit our website: Job Opportunities | Inyo County Careers**APPLICATION:**It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Beginning with your present or most recent job, show a complete record of your employment. Describe in detail any aspects of your experience or activities that are particularly appropriate for the position for which you are applying. You may not submit resume in lieu of completing the Employment Record fields. We will evaluate your qualifications based solely on the information entered into the Employment Record form.It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements like “See/Refer to resume” or “See attached”. IMPORTANT: If requesting Veteran's preference, you must attach a copy of your DD214 with your application SELECTION: Selection procedures will be determined by the number and qualifications of applicants and may include a qualification screening, written examination, and oral interview. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH QUALIFYING DISABILITIES: Inyo County will make reasonable efforts in the examination process on a case-by-case basis to accommodate persons with disabilities. If you have special needs, please contact [phone] prior to the examination process. CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRATION STATUS: Inyo County hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-citizens in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.**County of Inyo, Personnel Department, 224 N Edwards St, P.O. Box 249, Independence, CA 93526 || [phone] || https://inyocounty.us/**When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.| | || --- | --- || Category | Botany , Ecology , Hydrology || Tags | GIS , Soil Science |