(Hybrid) Water Research Specialist - West Virginia Water Research Institute

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Water Research Specialist supports the coordination and implementation of West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) water resources research programs. The role involves field sampling, water quality data management and analysis, and outreach activities associated with state-, federal-, and privately funded grants. Fieldwork supports acid mine drainage characterization and remediation projects and long-term water quality monitoring. Data work supports monitoring and watershed restoration projects, while outreach includes workforce development, stakeholder engagement, and communicating project findings. The specialist contributes to a range of WVWRI programs and projects, including project execution, reporting, and organizational outreach. The role requires adaptability as priorities change with grant-funded work, and represents WVWRI and West Virginia University in collaborative work with agencies, researchers, nonprofit groups, and community partners. Under the direction of the Senior Water Research Scientist, the specialist pursues funding and program-expansion opportunities and assists with grant proposals. The position also provides task-level guidance, training, and oversight to undergraduate and graduate student workers, and delivers support to internal and external clients. Work is divided among field, outreach, and office activities. Field duties include collecting and documenting water samples, operating and maintaining monitoring equipment, supporting sampling plans and quality procedures, and coordinating sampling logistics. Outreach duties include supporting educational and workforce-development activities, preparing communication materials, engaging stakeholders, and presenting findings to technical and nontechnical audiences. Office duties include maintaining and analyzing datasets, producing maps and visualizations, assisting with technical reports and proposals, keeping project records, and completing project administration. The position requires a master's degree in chemistry, geology, environmental science, or a natural-resources-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and applicable experience. The stated experience range is 0–6 months involving water quality research or volunteer organizations. The role is hybrid and includes a 37.5-hour work week. Fieldwork may take place in variable weather and challenging terrain, and outreach may occasionally require evening meetings and weekend events.

Requirements

Master's degree in chemistry, geology, environmental science, or a natural-resources-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and applicable experience.
0–6 months of experience involving water quality research or volunteer organizations; equivalent combinations of related education and/or experience will be considered.
General knowledge of water quality and watershed issues, including acid mine drainage, dissolved solids, and bacterial contamination common in West Virginia.
Knowledge of basic scientific principles, field sampling techniques, and laboratory procedures related to water quality monitoring.
Ability to operate, calibrate, and maintain water quality monitoring equipment, including multiparameter meters, flow meters, GPS units, and related instruments, with appropriate training.
Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable weather and challenging terrain, access remote sampling locations, and operate four-wheel-drive vehicles as necessary.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn data management and GIS software.
Ability to organize, process, and summarize scientific datasets accurately and consistently while following QA/QC procedures.
Ability to interpret basic scientific information, perform routine calculations, and develop tables, graphs, and other visualizations.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining technical information to scientific and nontechnical audiences.
Ability to prepare clear project summaries, technical correspondence, presentations, and educational outreach materials.
Strong organizational and time management skills, including prioritizing tasks, maintaining accurate records, and supporting multiple projects with competing deadlines.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and recognize when guidance or additional technical expertise is needed.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills for working with researchers, students, agencies, community organizations, and project partners.
Ability to coordinate outreach, engage diverse stakeholders, and represent WVWRI professionally at meetings, workshops, and public events.
Ability to read, understand, and apply technical procedures, scientific literature, project requirements, and relevant agency guidelines.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills, adaptability, and initiative, including identifying challenges and recommending practical workflow improvements.
Willingness and ability to learn new scientific methods, technologies, and procedures as project needs evolve.
Understanding of laboratory and field safety practices, including safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and sampling materials.
Ability to organize assigned tasks, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate progress or challenges to project leadership.
Demonstrated attention to detail, adherence to scientific procedures, accuracy in data collection and management, and understanding of QA/QC.
Ability to build respectful, reliable, responsive, and professional working relationships with colleagues, partners, and community members.
Ability to take ownership of responsibilities, follow through on commitments, respond constructively to changing priorities and feedback, and exercise sound judgment.

Nice To Haves

Training or certificates associated with surface and/or groundwater sampling.
Experience working with watershed organizations, community groups, educators, or other stakeholders on environmental research, education, or outreach activities.
Experience with water quality data management, analysis, or visualization.

Responsibilities

Plan and conduct water quality field sampling for research, acid mine drainage characterization and remediation, and long-term monitoring projects.
Collect, preserve, label, handle, and document water quality samples according to established scientific protocols.
Operate, calibrate, maintain, install, and retrieve field monitoring equipment and environmental instrumentation.
Conduct field measurements and observations of water quality, streamflow, site conditions, and environmental characteristics.
Assist in developing sampling plans, conducting background research, identifying sampling locations, and preparing maps.
Follow QA/QC procedures, including field blanks, duplicates, equipment checks, and chain-of-custody documentation.
Assist with preparing and revising Quality Assurance Project Plans and standard operating procedures.
Coordinate sampling logistics, including supplies, equipment, site access, partner communications, sample delivery or shipment, and field records.
Help manage field and laboratory equipment and supplies in coordination with the Field Equipment Manager.
Plan, coordinate, and implement technical outreach activities related to research and restoration projects.
Support workforce development through educational activities, training opportunities, workshops, and other events.
Develop technical and educational outreach materials, including fact sheets, online maps, website content, and other resources.
Build and maintain relationships with watershed organizations, community groups, educational institutions, agencies, landowners, and other partners.
Coordinate with external stakeholders, provide technical assistance consistent with WVWRI protocols, and support occasional evening meetings and weekend events.
Maintain records of outreach activities, stakeholder communications, meetings, and project documentation.
Participate in relevant training, conferences, and professional development activities.
Prepare and deliver presentations about project activities, scientific findings, and water resource issues to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Provide task-level guidance, training, and oversight to undergraduate and graduate student workers.
Collaborate with project teams, communicate progress and findings, and help ensure work follows established project procedures.
Process, organize, and maintain water quality datasets and databases, including data entry and QA/QC checks.
Conduct routine data analysis, prepare summary tables, and develop graphs and other visualizations.
Use GIS, including ArcGIS, to develop maps, organize spatial data, and support sampling, reporting, and outreach.
Assist with interpreting water quality data to identify trends, potential pollution sources, and watershed conditions under project scientists' guidance.
Conduct literature searches and assist with technical reports, project summaries, scientific manuscripts, presentations, and other research materials.
Assist with identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals, supporting documentation, and budget information.
Maintain project records, including field documentation, laboratory results, sample tracking logs, invoices, and correspondence.
Complete project-related administrative tasks in accordance with WVU policies, including travel documentation and reimbursements.
Stay informed about regional water issues and seek research, outreach, and restoration projects in which to participate.
Pursue funding and program-expansion opportunities under the direction of the Senior Water Research Scientist.
Respond to client inquiries, address routine project issues, and refer complex matters to project leadership.