Search #: 497198Work type: Full-timeLocation: Avery Point Campus, University of ConnecticutCategories: Research
JOB SUMMARY
The Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve (CT NERR) is one of 30 reserves in the country that are focused on research, education, and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems. It consists of approximately 52,000 acres of marsh, upland, and open water in Long Island and Fishers Island Sounds as well as the lower Connecticut and Thames Rivers. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal leadership and guidance to the Reserve system.
Applicants must be comfortable working on both field- and lab-based projects. A primary responsibility of the position will be to work closely with research staff to maintain and implement the various aspects of our environmental monitoring program. This program provides long-term, accurate data that characterizes changes to meteorological (e.g. temperature, wind, insolation, precipitation), physical (e.g. salinity, temperature, pressure, water level), chemical (e.g. pH, nutrients, chlorophyll), geological (e.g. sediment characteristics), and biological (e.g. marsh plant assemblages, submerged aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and fish) components of our estuarine system. The System-Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP) is part of a nationwide monitoring network whose mission is to track both short- and long-term changes to the integrity and function of our nation’s estuaries. As part of this effort, the CT NERR plans to collect and analyze continuous data on water quality parameters and weather, while gathering data on changes to marsh and submerged aquatic vegetation, sediment accretion, groundwater, local water levels, and other parameters.
The employee will implement all aspects of the CT NERR’s System Wide Monitoring Program to stay in compliance with program requirements. The employee maintains and operates various water quality, meteorological, and nutrient monitoring equipment. This will also involve providing quality control over collected data, quarterly analysis of said data, and submission of data to NOAA. Applicable chemistry and laboratory skills will be utilized to process and record water quality samples as dictated by program needs.
The role will also provide additional logistical and research support to other reserve staff, outside researchers, and other undefined tasks to benefit the CT NERR as deemed necessary. This may include, but not be limited to transport, field assistance, data analysis and equipment maintenance for other projects, and participation in outreach and educational events. The role will also assist in the direct supervision of seasonal and hourly interns and volunteers, to assist in the overall completion of mandated SWMP protocol.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Developing, organizing, and implementing field research and monitoring.
· Troubleshooting, calibrating, and deploying scientific instruments.
· Laboratory analysis of field samples.
· Collecting, interpreting, quality checking, and reporting data.
· Trailering and operating vessels in shallow water conditions and on Long Island Sound.
· Performing research activities, such as literature reviews and sample collection and processing.
· Assisting with the preparation and dissemination of outreach materials, extension publications, technical reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles.
· Assisting in program activities of the CT NERR across all sectors.
· Training and supervision of interns, students, and volunteers in support of the SWMP program and other CT NERR programs.
· Attendance at an annual, week-long training for NERR SWMP technicians, out-of-state (trip is fully funded).
· Attendance at national and regional NERR meetings and other scientific conferences, as funding allows.
· Other duties as assigned.
A substantial portion of the work will occur outside, often under extreme weather conditions, including extremes of heat, cold, wind, and rain. Candidates should be able to lift and manipulate up to 40 pounds (alone or as a team) as part of regular work activities. Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field with experience troubleshooting, calibrating, and deploying scientific instruments; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Related fields include marine sciences, water resources, environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health or toxicology, natural resource management, conservation science, botany, or similar fields.
2. Valid driver’s license to utilize University fleet vehicles for work-related travel needs.
3. Ability to travel within state and region for work on a regular basis.
4. Ability to travel to a week-long annual training, out-of-state.
5. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
6. Ability to work long, often irregular hours.
7. Ability to swim.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Connecticut Safe Boater’s License.
2. Familiarity with trailering and operating small vessels in shallow water conditions.
3. SCUBA certification.
4. Familiarity with local ecosystems.
5. Knowledge of water quality sampling and analysis procedures.
6. Ability to use hand and power tools.
7. Excellent computer skills, particularly Windows, Microsoft Excel, and Word.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This position is a full-time, 11-month appointment. This is an annually renewable position based on performance, budget, and needs of the program. The position is located at the CT NERR Office in Groton, CT. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497198 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on February 9, 2023.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
Advertised: Jan 26 2023 Eastern Standard TimeApplications close: Feb 09 2023 Eastern Standard Time