Research Assistant/Associate (Watershed Planning)

Auburn University•Auburn, AL

36d

About The Position

This is a one-year limited-term position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. The individual selected for this position will serve as the lead author and technical coordinator for watershed planning projects focused on agricultural water management, watershed protection, drought resilience, and natural resource conservation. The position supports watershed planning efforts conducted in collaboration with USDA-NRCS, state conservation agencies, local watershed sponsors, and multidisciplinary technical teams. The successful candidate will lead the development of watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and related planning documents. This position requires exceptional technical writing skills and the ability to synthesize information from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and agency partners into comprehensive planning products.

Requirements

Research Assistant Level I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
Research Assistant Level II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Assistant Level III: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Associate Level I: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
Research Associate Level II: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Associate Level III: Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
Experience with watershed planning, agricultural water management, natural resource planning, or environmental consulting.
Experience preparing environmental assessments, watershed plans, or similar planning documents.
Familiarity with USDA-NRCS programs and planning procedures.
Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams.
Knowledge of hydrology, ecology, conservation planning, or environmental policy.
Experience with GIS products and spatial data interpretation.
Experience presenting technical information to stakeholders and agency personnel.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead author for watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and planning documents.
Coordinate technical input from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and other subject matter experts.
Develop and evaluate watershed management alternatives and implementation strategies.
Integrate technical analyses into cohesive planning documents.
Coordinate technical reviews and revisions.
Prepare responses to agency comments and review findings.
Ensure compliance with USDA-NRCS planning requirements and applicable environmental regulations.
Prepare presentations, reports, and supporting materials for agency and stakeholder review.
Communicate technical information to diverse audiences including agencies, conservation organizations, producers, and the public.
Support development of proposals, scopes of work, and project reports.