Physical Science Technician for Aquatic and Watershed Support (Hybrid)

Work Where it Matters

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At ASE, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders, ASE provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, ASE delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.

As an ASE employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

ASE, an Akima company, is looking to hire aPhysical Science Technicianwho will contribute to multidisciplinary research teams by supporting field data collection, maintaining scientific instrumentation, processing environmental samples, and organizing datasets used for hydrologic and watershed assessments. Work involves routine environmental sampling, sediment and water handling, instrument calibration and maintenance, structured lab tasks, and data QA/QC procedures necessary to uphold USGS scientific standards.

This work includes frequent outdoor field duties in remote and sometimes harsh conditions (>50% during active sampling periods), complemented by periods of laboratory and office‑based data processing.

About the customer: The USGS conducts research to assess aquatic, hydrologic, and watershed conditions across the Kootenai and Clark Fork basins, supporting resource managers at the federal, state, Tribal, and local levels. These studies rely on accurate environmental measurements, properly maintained instruments, and high‑quality laboratory and data‑processing workflows to evaluate river conditions, sediment and water quality, and watershed responses to natural and anthropogenic stressors.

This Hybrid position requires that you live in Missoula, MT area and are able go to customer location in Bozeman, MT. if needed.

The Physical Science Technician shall provide technical field support, environmental sample handling, instrument operation and maintenance, and data management services in accordance with USGS standard operating procedures, Quality Management Systems, and safety requirements.

The technician shall maintain accurate field logs, laboratory documentation, chain‑of‑custody materials, and metadata following Good Scientific Practices and USGS protocol expectations. The Physical Science Technician must be physically capable of walking on uneven terrain, wading streams, and lifting moderate loads in variable weather conditions.

Routine interaction with USGS scientists and technicians will be required to coordinate field schedules, address data or equipment issues, and ensure proper execution of study designs. Tasks to be performed are as follows:  

Task 1. Field Data Collection & Instrument Support:

• Conduct field sampling of water, sediment, habitat, and related environmental parameters following USGS protocols.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain water‑quality sondes, flow meters, data loggers, autosamplers, and associated field instrumentation.
• Record site conditions and measurements using clear, accurate metadata.
• Support wading‑based or boat‑based sampling efforts as required.

Task 2. Laboratory Processing and Taxonomic Identification:

• Prepare, label, track, preserve, and transport environmental samples following chain‑of‑custody and QA/QC requirements.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks including filtration, subsampling, drying, weighing, and workspace/equipment maintenance.
• Prepare samples for shipment to analytical laboratories as directed.

Task 3. Data Management, Analysis, and Visualization:

• Enter field and laboratory data into project databases or spreadsheets.
• Perform QA/QC to ensure completeness, consistency, and accuracy.
• Produce basic figures, tables, and data summaries for internal use.
• Maintain metadata and contribute to data documentation.

Task 4. Project Coordination & Technical Support:

• Assist with planning and preparation for field activities, including equipment staging and logistics.
• Communicate data issues, equipment concerns, or irregularities to project supervisors.
• Contribute to technical notes, field summaries, and report sections.
• Participate in team meetings and coordination with partner agencies.

• Must be a US Citizen able to pass a thorough background check including criminal and financial at both the state and federal level.
• Bachelor Degree in a Science related discipline and 1 year of field sampling experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• The ability to use computer software and databases to develop complicated statistical and research reports.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in remote settings, walk on uneven terrain, wade in streams, and lifting moderate loads in variable weather conditions. 
• Able to conduct occasional overnight fieldwork. 

Travel:

• The primary base of operations shall be the USGS offices located on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, MT. Fieldwork may require overnight travel depending on sampling schedules and accessibility of field locations.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work extensively outdoors (>50%) in remote settings.
• This includes walking on uneven terrain, wading streams, and lifting moderate loads in variable weather conditions.
• Conduct occasional overnight fieldwork. Office work will be performed in a suitable office space (this includes a home office) or in an office at the principal duty station.