(Hybrid) Water Research Specialist - West Virginia Water Research Institute - West Virginia University Research Corporation Human Resources : Job Details

The West Virginia Water Research Institute Department at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a Water Research Specialist.

About the Opportunity

The incumbent plays a pivotal role in supporting the coordination and implementation of West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) programs, including the Three Rivers QUEST (3RQ) program and acid mine drainage (AMD) programs. Responsibilities include assisting with grant and report writing, planning and conducting field sampling events, and collaborating with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and various watershed groups to assess pollution sources, evaluate watersheds, and implement remediation projects. The incumbent also engages in various aspects of all WVWRI programs, encompassing program implementation, outreach, and reporting.

The incumbent assists in the coordination and implementation of WVWRI programs, providing essential support across multiple projects. They stay up to date on regional water issues and seek out new research or restoration projects to engage in, assisting in the preparation of related grant proposals. Field sampling is routinely conducted, with data collected and analyzed to support program goals. Collaboration with state and federal agencies, other researchers, and nonprofit groups is a key function of WVWRI's work and the success of the incumbent. Outreach efforts involve assisting with the development of online maps and other materials to share project outcomes, giving presentations to diverse audiences and fostering strong connections with state, federal, and grassroots organizations as well as the general public. Under the direction of the Project Manager, the incumbent pursues opportunities for funding and program expansion.

In terms of supervision and coordination, the incumbent provides oversight and supervision to undergraduate student workers, ensuring productive and educational experiences. They coordinate field-related activities, offering direction and support to field teams to ensure efficient operations. Additionally, they deliver program support services to internal and external clients, responding to inquiries and independently resolving moderate to complex issues. Responsibilities involve exercising judgment, resourcefulness, and originality in handling diverse tasks, applying or adapting available guides and precedents as necessary.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

* 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)

* Paid Time off (PTO)

* 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)

* A range of health insurance and other benefits

* Dependent Education Scholarship

* WVU Perks

What You'll Do

Field Work/Lab Work:

* Completes field work in diverse weather conditions.

* Collects water quality and stream biota samples with strict adherence to established scientific protocols, ensuring rigorous quality control and assurance.

* Collects samples of coal refuse, soils, or other solid materials, aligning with WVWRI's research objectives.

* Develops and applies standard operating procedures (SOP) with precision to ensure quality assurance and control in sampling, laboratory practices, and data analysis.

* Develops and implements sampling plans for water-related research projects by completing background research on the study area, identifying sample sites, and creating maps.

* Provides training and mentorship to students.

* Formulates and enhances quality control procedures and drafts Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) mandated by funding agencies.

* Manages equipment and supplies for fieldwork and the laboratory, collaborating with project managers for procurement.

* Researches and secures necessary permits for scientific collection of samples, following strict guidelines of the permit requirements.

* Identifies needs for various specialized sampling equipment to perform scientific research.

* Ensures field teams are following safety procedures and identifies potential hazards to field teams.

Outreach:

* Delivers engaging presentations, acting as a representative for WVWRI in meetings, conferences, and workshops.

* Establishes and maintains connections as a liaison with various volunteer groups, actively engaging in evening meetings and occasional weekend events.

* Stays abreast of the latest advancements in water research, attending relevant training sessions, workshops, and conferences to enhance scientific knowledge and skills.

* Engages in communication with federal and state agencies regarding project-specific tasks, ensuring that the scientific methodologies align harmoniously with the overarching goals of the project.

* Initiates collaborations with new organizations to expand partnerships.

* Collaborates with educators and group leaders to integrate scientific methodologies into WVWRI projects.

* Provides expert assistance with data management to volunteer groups.

* Ensures precise communication of program objectives to external organizations.

* Maintains comprehensive records, including meeting notes, contact information, and related materials for WVWRI projects.

* Assist with the publication of materials sharing project outcomes with the general public and scientific community, which may include online maps, fact sheets, and website content.

Office:

* Organizes field-related activities, coordinating with state partners and local community members for site access.

* Provides oversight and supervision of undergraduate student workers.

* Coordinates field and office-related efforts of graduate and undergraduate student workers.

* Facilitates collaboration with project teams, offering expert guidance to uphold the scientific integrity of project tasks.

* Analyzes data and maintains and manages water quality databases, routinely creates graphs for data visualization.

* Regularly convenes with project management teams and technical team members to deliver updates on the analysis of results.

* Simplifies complex data sets for inclusion in reports.

* Evaluates watershed health and identifies sources of pollution.

* Utilizes ArcGIS to develop sampling plans, generate maps for project reports, and creates story maps for the public.

* Completes statistical analyses for academic publication.

* Performs literature searches; writes and presents research results.

* Supports preparation and submission of program summaries, topical reports, and scientific articles using material from past, active, or future WVWRI research projects.

* Develops technical and topical reports, project briefings, and presentations on project progress.

* Assists with identifying new research opportunities, preparing proposals, and developing budgets.

* Maintains records of site visits and meetings with volunteer groups.

* Maintains internal tracking logs (i.e. analytical samples/invoices received).

* Follows WVU procedures related to travel, reimbursement, etc.

Supervisory/Lead Role

The position reports to the Project Manager. Normally receives limited instructions on routine work and general instructions on new assignments. General sharing of knowledge and team participation are expected in the role. Initiates program, project, or activity lead and work coordination. Manages and performs project tasks in accordance with contracts, task schedules, keeping within budget.

Physical Demands

Requires physical abilities to perform field activities, including manual dexterity and abilities to see, hear, walk, talk and feel. Routine activities are predominantly non-manual, although some manual work involved with field sampling or sample/equipment transport may be included. Activities require manual skills to sample and perform analyses and to instruct others on sampling techniques. Travels to remote locations in WV and surrounding states with occasional overnight stays. Evening and weekend work will be required on a routine basis due to the nature of working with grassroots organizations.

Work Environment

A mixture of office, laboratory, and field. Sampling will occur outside, so outdoor weather conditions will be variable, and during rare times may be very hot or cold. Field work is generally within northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. Moderate noise levels are experienced in the work environment. Work may be performed in labs and on computers. The incumbent will be working on and around analytical equipment. Some chemicals are used in analysis and can be toxic or caustic. Safety training and equipment will be provided and must be properly utilized. Responsible to know and comply with all safety procedures.

* Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a natural resources-related field

* A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the following:

* Water quality research and developing grant proposals

* Volunteer organizations

* Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.

* All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Knowledge of water quality issues common in West Virginia, such as acid mine drainage, total dissolved solids, and bacterial contamination.

* Experience in field sampling.

* Ability to use sensitive field sampling equipment such as pH meter, flow meter, GPS unit, etc.

* Ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle to travel to, around, and from research sites for data collection.

* Excellent communication skills (written and oral).

* Excellent organizational skills.

* Experience with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and ArcGIS.

* Ability to read and understand requests for proposals, agency requirements for submission of proposals and reports, article format and submission guidelines, and other formal requirements required.

* Proposal development and grant writing experience.

* Thorough knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.

* Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

* Ability to write reports, correspondence, and procedures.

* Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, researchers, and the general public.

* Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

* Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

* Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

* Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

* Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

* Ability to coordinate and generate cooperation from research team members.

* Ability to think creatively and offer solutions to complex problems.

* Ability to work well with others, both internal to WVWRI and with external collaborators.

* Understanding and experience with fundamental laboratory procedures.

* Maintains skills in, or knowledge of, professional principles, legal, and/or reporting requirements affecting the area of responsibility.

* Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes the use of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, disposal methods.

Behavioral Competencies

* Management skills - Coordinates people and tasks to bring projects to satisfactory completion on time and within budget.

* Proposal development skills - Understands solicitations, assists research team members, assists with writing proposals.

* Technical skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; pursues training and development opportunities; assess strengths, weaknesses, and shares expertise with others.

* Problem solving - Gathers and analyzes information, identifies problems, develops alternatives, uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics and works well in groups, and resolves matters timely.

* Internal & External Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional matters with objectivity and openness; responds promptly to needs and requests for service and assistance; meets commitments and dates, notifies others if change occurs; provides, solicits, and applies feedback; and builds goodwill through balanced contributions, positive approach, respect, and support of others.

* Communications - Demonstrates group presentation skills, participates in meetings, listens and gets clarification, is responsive, and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive and negative situations. Writes and edits clearly and informatively, varies style to meet needs, presents numerical data effectively, and is able to read and interpret written information.

* Organizational Support - Aligns work and develops strategies to meet organizational goals; seeks to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and upholds organizational expectations and values.

* Self-Management - Responds to management direction; resourcefully adapts to changes in work environment and circumstances; responds well under pressure and manages competing demands; takes calculated risks, asks for and offers help when needed; exercise discretion and sound judgment; is tactful and responsible for own actions.

Preferred Qualifications

* Trainings/certificates associated with surface and/or groundwater sampling.

* Knowledge of water quality issues in Appalachia.

* Background in working with volunteer groups and educators.

* Strong organizational skills.