Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I

The University of Texas at Austin•Port Aransas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will work with the Dunton Lab to assist with field and experimental studies associated with coastal wetlands (seagrass and marsh systems). Laboratory duties include sample processing and inventory, data management, and instrument maintenance. Position located in Port Aransas, Texas. Only applicants authorized to work in the United States will be considered. The position fulfills the sampling and reporting requirements of numerous projects funded by state and federal entities that address (1) the condition and extent of Texas coastwide seagrass populations, (2) the recovery of seagrasses following construction events related to rookery island creation, (3) the development of seagrass habitat suitability index for Texas coastal waters, and (4) the response of coastal marsh systems to recurring periods of drought.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marine, biological, or environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
General knowledge of local habitats, particularly coastal wetlands and associated flora and ecosystem processes.
Strong organizational and computer skills (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
Basic hiking and swimming ability
Class "C" operator's driver's license.
Provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence.
If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Nice To Haves

Experience with vegetation identification and field sampling methodology.
Boat operating skills and comfort in aquatic habitat (wetlands and open water).
Experience with analyses of sediment/water biogeochemistry and plant ecophysiology.
Experience with grades K-8 outreach.

Responsibilities

Conduct emergent and submergent vegetation and sea level monitoring along the entire Texas coast and other wetland sites as assigned. Overall duties include sampling and data entry via boat, hiking, swimming, and wading through mud and water in wetland habitats.
Analysis of water samples in laboratory for Total Suspended Solids, chlorophyll, and nutrients.
Process plant and sediment cores for organic matter, moisture content, dissolved pore water components, CHN and isotopic analysis, sediment grain size, and algal epiphyte enumeration and identification.
Computer data entry, data QA/QC, some basic and preliminary data analysis.
Assist with additional research related duties related to lab (sieving and sorting of biological material), field (instrumentation deployment), and outreach activities (with school children).