Researcher 2 Hydrology & Water Quality

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH, USA 🇺🇸

Job Title:

Researcher 2 Hydrology & Water Quality

Department:

FAES | Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Job Title: Researcher 2

Department: Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE)

College: Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)

Institution: The Ohio State University (OSU)

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Position Overview: The Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at The Ohio State University (OSU) is seeking a motivated Researcher 2 to join our team. This position is critical to CFAES’s research and Extension mission, supporting projects such as the Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program, the International Drainage Hall of Fame, and the International Program on Water Management in Agriculture.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Field and Lab Work: Lead the collection of soil and water samples, maintain monitoring equipment, and design and implement water management devices at research sites.
  • Research Support: Assist with data collection, analysis, modeling, and report writing for funded projects.
  • Extension/Outreach: Develop teaching materials and curricula for training programs focused on agricultural drainage, water management, and conservation practices.
  • Team Coordination: Train and coordinate with undergraduate and graduate students, and collaborate with faculty and scientists.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with farmers, landowners, and other collaborators.

Essential Functions:

  • Design and install hydrology and water quality monitoring instrumentation.
  • Coordinate and lead field trips for sample collection and equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure quality assurance/quality control of water quality data.
  • Present research results at professional and outreach meetings.
  • Manage procurement of supplies and equipment.
  • Develop and follow health and safety protocols.
  • Provide logistical support for outreach and Extension events.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
  • 4-5 years of experience in agricultural research, water/wastewater monitoring, or related fields.
  • Experience with soil/water monitoring equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Hydrology, Agricultural, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, or related fields.
  • Technical experience with hydrology/water quality field research.
  • Experience with CAD software, GIS, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling.
  • Practical knowledge of Ohio agriculture.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Required Skills:

  • Experience operating power tools and construction equipment.
  • Basic knowledge of electrical systems.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in inclement weather.
  • Ability to drive to remote field sites.

Preferred Skills:

  • Proficiency with ArcGIS, MATLAB, Python, R, and MS Excel.
  • Experience with agricultural and construction equipment.
  • Knowledge of load securement and driving large trucks and trailers.

Please include a resume and cover letter pertaining to this position.

Additional Information:

This job profile is a Researcher 2 (S2 level) position on the career roadmap.

The salary range for this position is $55,100.00 – $72,400.00/ annual with fulltime staff benefits.

The salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Location:

Agricultural Engineering Building (0298)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development