Program Technician

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, is seeking a Program Technician for the Water Quality Department. This role is crucial for supporting research and monitoring activities related to water quality. The Program Technician will be involved in field operations, laboratory analysis, data management, project coordination, and reporting. The University of Arkansas is a land grant institution committed to advancing the state through education, research, and outreach, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity and innovation. The campus is located in Fayetteville, a community known for its quality of life and strong economy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Agricultural Science, Biology, Ecology, Soil Science, Chemistry, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the start of employment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution of higher education conferred by the start of employment.
• Experience with project management or research coordination.
• Water quality monitoring or environmental sampling experience.
• Laboratory experience with nutrient analysis.
• Knowledge of EPA QA procedures.
• Experience with ISCO automated samplers and data loggers.
• Familiarity with GIS software.
• Experience coordinating with government agencies, NGOs, and agricultural producers.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable weather conditions.
• Flexibility for occasional evening/weekend work.
• Ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biweekly in-stream water sampling at up to 36 sites/year.
• Install and maintain monitoring equipment (ISCO samplers, flumes, pressure transducers, rain gauges).
• Collect storm event samples.
• Manage chain of custody and transport samples to labs.
• Assist with nutrient analysis (nitrate-N, ammonium-N, soluble reactive phosphorus) per EPA methods.
• Prepare samples for analysis.
• Manage laboratory inventory.
• Coordinate with external laboratories.
• Maintain field notes and electronic records per EPA QAPP.
• Perform quality control checks on data.
• Prepare data files for analysis.
• Submit data to EPA’s WQX database annually.
• Serve as the primary project coordinator, managing day-to-day operations and timelines.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings with partners (Arkansas Discovery Farm Program, Beaver Watershed Alliance, Carbon Chicken Project).
• Track project milestones and deliverables.
• Maintain project documentation.
• Draft quarterly EPA progress reports.
• Compile data for final technical reports.
• Assist with the creation of fact sheets, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance.
• Create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• University contributions to health insurance
• University contributions to dental insurance
• University contributions to life insurance
• University contributions to disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees