Environmental Scientist

City of Austin•Austin, TX

4d•$30 - $37•Hybrid

About The Position

Under limited supervision and using comprehensive knowledge, conduct and/or manage environmental protection and assessment projects and programs of diverse scope and complexity. Exercises judgment within defined methods, procedures and practices. The Applied Watershed Science section (AWS) integrates watershed science into the policies, practices, programs, and projects of the Austin Watershed Protection Department. Staff in this group work on a diverse set of watershed studies, including groundwater, stormwater, and baseflow water quality monitoring, as well as aquatic and riparian ecosystem studies. They also assess and develop best practices for stormwater treatment of urban runoff, and experimental design for various water quality research projects. This position is part of a team of environmental scientists (limnologists, hydrologists, biologists, etc.) who assist in the collection of physical, chemical, and biological data from Austin's creeks, lakes, and groundwater. In particular, this position will have a strong role in the management of multiple multidisciplinary projects including the experimental design, implementation, oversight of data (entry and QA/QC), analysis, report preparation, and budget. Other roles include the development of, and participation in, a wide range of other projects supporting project managers to implement routine monitoring and applied scientific experiments. Fieldwork may include supporting the projects managed in addition to providing field support to other projects in the Section, such as the routine surface water quality monitoring of the Environmental Integrity Index, regulatory-required monitoring (TPDES, TCEQ CRP and TMDL, etc), and a variety of applied research projects with both field and report preparation facets. Other roles include mentoring early-career team members on a wide variety of tasks, identifying and resolving gaps in Standard Operating Procedures, and providing technical guidance to inter- and intra-departmental stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Life Science, Natural Science or related field plus four years of relevant experience
One additional year of experience may substitute for one year of the required education with a maximum substitution of four years.
Master's Degree may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software applications.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to work outside in water, rough terrain, and inclement weather.
If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with water quality monitoring protocols and equipment, ideally with automated samplers or other stormwater sampling.
Penchant for the calibration, programming, diagnosis, and operation of small tools, mechanical, and electronic devices.
Experience with coordinating and conducting field work collecting data or samples in challenging environmental settings and conditions.
Experience with research and/or analysis of environmental data and the use of statistical tools and models utilizing programming languages (e.g., R programming), particularly in one or more of the following topics: hydrology, pollutant fate & transport, baseflow & stormwater monitoring, and chemistry.
Experience providing support to the management of scientific projects including aspects such as experimental design, data QA/QC, analysis/evaluation, and report preparation.

Responsibilities

Perform project planning, prioritization, and tracking of technical resources
Conduct site selection and study design
Operate/calibrate equipment
Perform chemical, biological and physical testing and classification
Interpret water quality, flow and biological data
Conduct training in sampling and analysis
Organize and prepare reports and memos based on data evaluation
Review and interpret policies, codes, regulations and ordinances
Perform environmental assessments on proposed capital projects, systems, programs and development plans
Assist in development of code changes and rules development
Management of multiple multidisciplinary projects including experimental design, implementation, oversight of data (entry and QA/QC), analysis, report preparation, and budget.
Development of, and participation in, a wide range of other projects supporting project managers to implement routine monitoring and applied scientific experiments.
Fieldwork may include supporting the projects managed in addition to providing field support to other projects in the Section, such as the routine surface water quality monitoring of the Environmental Integrity Index, regulatory-required monitoring (TPDES, TCEQ CRP and TMDL, etc), and a variety of applied research projects with both field and report preparation facets.
Mentoring early-career team members on a wide variety of tasks.
Identifying and resolving gaps in Standard Operating Procedures.
Providing technical guidance to inter- and intra-departmental stakeholders.