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2025 Bioassessment Summer Field Technician Announcement

Approximate Dates: May 25 – August 21, 2026[1]

Salary: $20.00 per hour plus per diem[2]

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Quality Planning, conducts bioassessments of aquatic ecosystems throughout Nevada. The purpose is to monitor the ecological integrity of Nevada’s surface waters through biological, physical, and chemical parameters. Assessments occur throughout all regions of Nevada, beginning in late May through late August. This is an excellent opportunity best suited for undergraduates and transitional graduate students to gain experience in limnology, aquatic ecology, and surface-water hydrology. 

Job Duties: Duties include collection of data at each sampling location including benthic macroinvertebrates, water chemistry, periphyton, and physical measurements of the watershed/riparian habitat. Other duties include wetland assessments including plant identification, habitat observations and collection of samples from a soil pit. The position requires significant physical exertion with hiking, carrying a backpack with upwards of 45 lbs., digging soil pits, and bending and stooping during a sampling event that may last up to 8 hours. Working circumstances will be variable including changing weather conditions, exposure to wildlife including snakes, spiders, and insects, and traveling long distances through rugged terrain by either 4WD and/or hiking. Locations are often remote, and the position will require overnight travel with camping in wilderness settings without amenities.

Qualifications: An interest in ecology (preferably aquatic) with a course load in environmental sciences, biology, natural resources, or hydrology. More important than experience is the ability to be a strong member of a field team, accept direction/coaching and work well with others. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required. Training in field protocols is provided. Field gear is provided but personal camping gear is the responsibility of the selected applicants.

Application Process: Please submit a letter of interest and résumé* for further consideration to Weston Fettgather, Environmental Scientist/Supervisor, at wfettgather@ndep.nv.gov no later than Friday February 27th, 2026. Preliminary Interviews will occur during the week of March 9-13, 2026. (*References may be requested from final candidates.)


 

[1] Weekly schedule based on sampling site availability and may be variable with an average of 30 to ≥40 hours per week. 

[2] Travel beyond 50 miles from Carson City will include the State daily per-diem rate of $68 for meals, hotel $110 or camping $40. With the exception for training, most of the work will be beyond 50 miles of Carson City and require weekly overnight travel. Per diem and salary does not include the time and travel to report to NDEP in Carson City for work.

Due to the extremely close working conditions and unpredictable conditions in the field, we highly recommend candidates be fully up to date with vaccines, including Tetanus and Covid-19.