Aquatic Scientist I

Brazos River Authority•Waco, TX

8h•$22 - $28

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to collect, prepare, and analyze water samples for the Brazos River Authority's (BRA) water quality monitoring program, using a high level of expertise in aquatic biology and water quality assessment guidelines and procedures. This is accomplished by performing field sampling and lab analysis of water and biological samples; investigating the relationship of hydrology and E. coli bacteria levels in river tributaries; setting up and maintaining stream-flow gauges at sites; performing stream-flow measurements using Doppler acoustic technology to establish a flow rating curve for each gauging station; collecting samples according to prescribed protocols at sites for analyses of water quality parameters and E. coli bacteria; assisting with data collection and database maintenance; reviewing water quality data; performing calibration and maintenance of equipment; and initiating orders for field sampling and lab supplies. Other responsibilities include accurately following quality assurance and quality control procedures for collection and analysis of samples including maintaining accurate sample records; interacting with employees; setting up and maintaining stream-flow gauges; assisting with special water quality projects; evaluating water quality data from various sources and entities for compliance with applicable standards or criteria; assisting with projects and water quality assessment reports; assisting with scheduling water quality monitoring activities; conducting cooperative efforts with other entities in fieldwork and sampling projects, including training, organizing and presenting water quality data at public meetings; and any other duties as assigned.

Requirements

One year experience
Valid Texas Class C Driver's License and Good Driving Record
Degree in biology, environmental science or related field and a theoretical knowledge of the following disciplines: biology, hydrology and hydraulics, geomorphology, and water quality
Ensuring that work accomplished is accurate in all relevant aspects
Creating honest, trusting, and successful working relationships with others (inside and outside the organization) by consistently demonstrating competence and reliability in job performance, and representing what is best about the organization through demonstrated principles, actions, and communications...
Handling a large amount of work efficiently and effectively
Working with others to share expertise and achieve outcomes that benefit the organization; stepping in to fill necessary roles that others are unable or unwilling to do; demonstrating strong communication skills to others on the team through active listening, summarizing, facilitating and "bridge building"
Effectively adapting to tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and sudden or frequent changes in priority in order to accomplish objectives
Demonstrating self-motivation; effective performance is driven from within rather than being conditional on pressure from external factors (e.g. boss, peers, subordinates, deadlines, crises, etc.)
Acquiring and demonstrating knowledge of safety and health procedures as they relate to the human resources of the organization and the protection of property

Nice To Haves

Master's degree

Responsibilities

performing field sampling and lab analysis of water and biological samples
investigating the relationship of hydrology and E. coli bacteria levels in river tributaries
setting up and maintaining stream-flow gauges at sites
performing stream-flow measurements using Doppler acoustic technology to establish a flow rating curve for each gauging station
collecting samples according to prescribed protocols at sites for analyses of water quality parameters and E. coli bacteria
assisting with data collection and database maintenance
reviewing water quality data
performing calibration and maintenance of equipment
initiating orders for field sampling and lab supplies
accurately following quality assurance and quality control procedures for collection and analysis of samples including maintaining accurate sample records
assisting with special water quality projects
evaluating water quality data from various sources and entities for compliance with applicable standards or criteria
assisting with projects and water quality assessment reports
assisting with scheduling water quality monitoring activities
conducting cooperative efforts with other entities in fieldwork and sampling projects, including training, organizing and presenting water quality data at public meetings