BLUE THUMB FIELD EDUCATION COORDINATOR

State of Oklahoma

1d•$55,000

About The Position

This is an advanced-level field position, working largely independently, to lead seasonal biological collections and guide citizen scientist volunteers as they learn and continue to monitor streams. It also provides support for critical Blue Thumb program functions, including program promotion, organization/entry of field data, and coordination of volunteers. The position involves fieldwork performed throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. This position determines much of their own scheduling in order to meet with their volunteers and the public. Overnight travel is frequently required, and the workweek often consists of irregular hours, including weekends and evenings. Job activities often involve physical exertion with some heavy lifting. Since many activities occur in or around water, candidates must be able to swim. Although Blue Thumb staff typically focus work responsibilities on a regional basis, a significant amount of responsibilities will still be statewide program. Position is supervised by the Blue Thumb Director.

Requirements

Knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, stream ecology, pollutants, watersheds, and both urban and rural nonpoint source pollution issues
Advanced knowledge of the causes, impacts and prevention of nonpoint source pollution
Staff at this level are responsible for largely setting their own schedules in order to coordinate with their groups of volunteers who may be unable to meet during the traditional work week.
Staff must also coordinate around weather conditions and sampling limitations when developing schedules
Individuals must be outgoing and have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must be comfortable working independently, with limited supervision
Individuals should be detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills
Be proficient with computers and contemporary software packages (particularly MS Windows and Office)
A Bachelor’s degree in biology, geology, environmental science or related science plus two years pertinent experience (stream assessment and volunteer training/coordination) is required.
A masters degree in a similar field can be substituted for two years experience, a PhD can substitute for four years experience
OCC requires the successful applicant to be a legal resident of the United States and hold or obtain a current driver's license for the state of OK.
Understanding of water quality, stream ecology, and the relationship between land use, pollution, chemical and physical water quality parameters, instream habitat, and the biota of streams
Knowledge of education and outreach principles, methods, and techniques
Must be a legal resident of the United States and possess a valid Oklahoma driver’s license
Individuals must be able to swim
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and first-aid certifications is required
Must be willing to travel to meet program needs – including frequent overnight trips
Requires some heavy lifting and ability to work outside during all types of weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with other Blue Thumb team members
Coordinate with Blue Thumb Quality Assurance Officer in the selection of volunteer monitoring sites
Follow guidance provided by the Blue Thumb Quality Assurance Officer to address data quality issues
Educate the public about stream ecology
Assist with volunteer training
Effectively use and maintain field kits
Conduct necessary water quality, in-stream habitat and biological collections, sometimes in coordination with volunteers
Schedule and oversee benthic macroinvertebrate sub-sampling events with volunteers
Conduct Quality Assurance sessions and safety training for volunteers
Assist volunteers with interpretation of data and evaluation of site conditions
Order supplies
Enter program data and maintain chain of custody for biological samples
Update social media
Effectively document program activities (video and photo)
Promote program to potential sponsors (particularly conservation districts) and increase media attention on program activities and water pollution prevention
Represent Blue Thumb at various meetings to promote water quality education and volunteer recruitment
Oversee an effort to support Blue Thumb activities such as the Project Wet Program or act as the BT Quality Assurance Officer
Fulfill other duties as assigned