Job TitleResearch Specialist I
AgencyTexas A&M Agrilife Research
DepartmentTexas Water Resource Institute
Proposed Minimum SalaryCommensurate
Job LocationCollege Station, Texas
Job TypeStaff
Job Description
The Research Specialist I, will work as a member of a team providing leadership and support for watershed assessment, planning, and management programs.
Responsibilities:
-Gather and assess watershed data to establish an understanding of current conditions; facilitate, coordinate, and collaborate with watershed stakeholders to relay information; and develop watershed management strategies to restore water quality in targeted areas across the state.
-Lead the development of watershed-based plans and work with watershed stakeholders to refine and implement these plans.
-Prepare educational resources including factsheets, PowerPoint slides, webpages, social media, videos, newsletters and news releases, and related materials to support project efforts.
-Collect, analyze, and interpret data for development of watershed protection plans, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and TMDL Implementation Plans; and lead plan development. Facilitate development and coordination of stakeholder groups.
-Participate in and eventually lead teams in field-based water quality and quantity data collection activities.
-Handle project management duties such as ensuring on-time deliverables and project reporting. Work with TAMUS administration and faculty; research and Extension personnel; federal and state agencies; non-profit organizations; personnel with
other universities, centers, and institutes; and other partnerships to plan and develop projects and grant proposals to address critical water issues in Texas.
-Support other related water management programs underway or under development at the Texas Water Resources Institute.
-Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Experience:
-Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, engineering, environmental science, water management, or a closely related field.
-Four years of related experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
-Master’s degree in hydrology, water management, agricultural science, engineering, environmental science, or a closely related field with coursework related to watershed management and/or natural resource management, and/or water and human health.
-Two years’ experience in watershed assessment, planning and management, and/or water quality data collection and assessment including experience using geographic information systems.
-Experience in automated hydrological/water quality field data collection.
-Experience in stakeholder facilitation and effective grant writing.
Required Special knowledge, abilities, and skills:
-Working knowledge of MS Office Suite; excellent written and oral information delivery skills.
-Ability to work outdoors in potentially inclement weather conditions and lift at least 50 lbs.
-Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
-Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others.
-Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
-Ability to travel statewide as necessary to coordinate program efforts.
Preferred Special Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
-Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups including the public, agricultural interests, city and county officials, non-profit and environmental advocacy organizations, river authorities and water resource personnel from Land Grant Universities and state and federal agencies.
-Working knowledge of water monitoring systems and experimental design.
-Proficiency in GIS mapping and assessment; statistical assessment of environmental data.
-Knowledge or experience of TMDLs and WPPs.
THIS IS A GRANT FUNDED POSITION.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.
