GIS Technician: Urban Watershed Development – Duke University, NC

PURPOSE: The Bernhardt lab (http://bernhardtlab.weebly.com/) at Duke University has a GIS technician position open for the summer of 2015. The technician will use spatial analysis techniques to develop metrics that further our understanding of how variability in urban watershed development affects streamwater quality and quantity.

DESCRIPTION: Most of the urban growth projected until 2030 is expected to occur in medium to small sized cities (population 1-5 million), yet neither the structure nor the effects of the intermediate intensity development characteristic of these cities on aquatic ecosystems are well understood. This project is exploring how differences in urban landscape characteristics within a narrow range of intermediate development intensity drive variation in the water quality of receiving streams. Over the past year and a half we have been monitoring the streamwater quality and quantity in the receiving streams of our study catchments however, we are seeking a GIS technician who will further our understanding of the catchment connectivity and configuration of impervious surfaces. GIS projects will be related to developing watershed metrics that quantify aspects of urban hydrology, designing creative ways to share our data with the public (i.e. interactive maps online), and framing the project within a broader context of urban watersheds across the US.

REQUIREMENTS: Experience with ArcGIS is necessary. Background in environmental science a plus but not required. Must be self-motivated and able to work without direct supervision. We are especially interested in students who would like to gain spatial analysis experience in order to pursue future opportunities.

Name of Student’s Supervisor: Joanna Blaszczak, Joseph Delesantro, Dr. Dean Urban, Dr. Emily Bernhardt
Position/Time Frame: Summer (flexible dates and hours), salary commensurate with experience
How to apply: Send your resume, including your GPA, relevant classes taken, and a brief description of why you are interested and relevant experience to Joanna Blaszczak at urbanstreamsRT@gmail.com

Application Deadline: Friday, April 10th, 2015