Applied Geohydrology Summer Research Assistantship (Two Positions)
Kansas Geological Survey
Position Overview
The Geohydrology Section of the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kansas (KU) invites applications for TWO KGS Applied Geohydrology Summer Research Assistantship positions for the summer of 2020. The positions are available for upper-level undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students with an interest in the hydrogeology and biogeochemistry of intermittent streams. Established in 1997, positions in the KGS summer internship program have been held by students from diverse institutions across the US and abroad. Many past participants have co-authored articles or conference presentations based on the summer work, and students would be encouraged to continue work on projects as part of an undergraduate or graduate thesis following the conclusion of the internship if interested.
START DATE: Week of May 26, 2020 (flexible based on student schedule)
START DATE: Week of May 26, 2020 (flexible based on student schedule)
Full-time 12-week summer position.
SALARY: Salary is $15.00 per hour at 40 hours per week, estimated $7,200 for each full-time 12-week assistantship.
PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The overarching goal of this project is to understand the influence of intermittent and ephemeral streams on water quantity and quality in Kansas. Students will work with KGS scientists and KU professors to quantify the quantity and variability of groundwater recharge, identify the physical controls on recharge in dry streams, and quantify the solute load from dry streams to receiving ecosystems. Participants will gain experience with numerous field methods including synoptic surveys of physical and biogeochemical parameters, detailed geophysical surveys, and installation of long-term monitoring equipment at study sites across Kansas.
SALARY: Salary is $15.00 per hour at 40 hours per week, estimated $7,200 for each full-time 12-week assistantship.
PROJECT SYNOPSIS: The overarching goal of this project is to understand the influence of intermittent and ephemeral streams on water quantity and quality in Kansas. Students will work with KGS scientists and KU professors to quantify the quantity and variability of groundwater recharge, identify the physical controls on recharge in dry streams, and quantify the solute load from dry streams to receiving ecosystems. Participants will gain experience with numerous field methods including synoptic surveys of physical and biogeochemical parameters, detailed geophysical surveys, and installation of long-term monitoring equipment at study sites across Kansas.
Job Description
- 20% - Collecting field measurements of hydrogeological and biogeochemical properties (infiltration capacity, soil cores, stream stage, etc.).
- 20% - Participating in geophysical surveys using electrical resistivity tomography.
- 20% - Installation of soil and water monitoring sensors.
- 15% - Laboratory analysis of water and sediment samples for soil texture and biogeochemical properties.
- 15% - Analysis of hydrogeological, geophysical, and biogeochemical data.
- 10% - Preparing results for publication or presentation.