Field and Laboratory Technician
National Center for Water Quality Research Heidelberg University | Posted Feb 14, 2025
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The National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR) at Heidelberg University seeks a highly motivated wetland research technician with experience sampling aquatic ecosystems, preferably wetlands. The staff member will work primarily on a project examining nutrient reductions associated with wetlands constructed throughout Ohio as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources H2Ohio Program. In addition, they will assist with the overall operation and success of the NCWQR. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental sciences, be detail-oriented, and enjoy working in a fast-paced laboratory with a mix of field work and laboratory analysis.
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Reporting to the Director of the National Center for Water Quality Research, the Field and Laboratory position conducts activities to ensure successful operation of the National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR). The position requires a variety of professional duties that require an advanced level of expertise and knowledge.
The National Center for Water Quality Research (NCWQR) at Heidelberg University seeks a highly motivated wetland research technician with experience sampling aquatic ecosystems, preferably wetlands. The staff member will work primarily on a project examining nutrient reductions associated with wetlands constructed throughout Ohio as part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources H2Ohio Program. In addition, they will assist with the overall operation and success of the NCWQR. The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental sciences, be detail[1] -oriented, and enjoy working in a fast-paced laboratory with a mix of field work and laboratory analysis.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Reports directly to the Director of the National Center for Water Quality Research.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
The Field and Laboratory Technician may supervise student employees/interns.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring (50%)
Prepare for and conduct field work from wetlands throughout Northwest Ohio, including water and soil/sediment collection, water sensor analysis and downloads, physical measurements, and overall general observations.
Assist with laboratory water analysis of wetland samples
Manage data entry and back up following field work
Assist with updates to monitoring protocols and plans as needed
Assist with data analysis
Attend project meetings and workshops[1] [2]
Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program (20%)
Assist with the Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program tasks including data sonde management, field station maintenance and repair, and weekly sample collection.
Other Field and Laboratory Activities (30%)
Assist with other NCWQR projects including, but not limited to the CEAP Pilot Watershed project (see more at https://ncwqr.org/)
Train and supervise student workers as part of any ongoing NCWQR projects and/or assist students with independent research projects.
CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work.
Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.
Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.
Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.
Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.
Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.
Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.
Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.
Requirements
DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Professional Experience:
(A) Completion of a Bachelor of Science in the Natural Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
(B) Knowledge and excitement of stream, river, wetland, and lake ecosystems
(C) Ability to work in adverse field conditions and to lift equipment and samples weighing up to 50 lbs.
(D) Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to work a flexible schedule.
Preferred Education and Experience:
(A) Experience in wetland sampling or water quality analysis is preferred.
(B) Experience working with automatic sampling systems.
(C) Will consider the completion of a Master of Science degree involving aquatic ecosystems as evidence of experience.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrates mental sharpness, capability, and agility
Adept at multitasking
Proficient at time management
Can take direction adequately
High attention to detail
Efficient and quick acting when needed
Can work independently when applicable
Able to focus on task at hand until completion
Good organizational skills
Seeks feedback and counsel to improve knowledge, skill, abilities, and behaviors
Asks questions about the data, process, or analyses
Seeks to improve the lab tasks to fit current needs
Meets expected standards of quality work in the field and laboratory
Gains insight from successes and mistakes
Shows initiative to troubleshoot any issues or seek assistance
Communicates any questions or issues that arise without hesitation
Performs effectively as a hard-working member of a team
Willingness to fill in on additional tasks as needed
Show initiative to put in extra work during busy periods
Adheres to deadlines
Excellent communication skills, especially with team members
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers. Employee in this position must have a valid Ohio driver’s license.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an outdoor environment, the NCWQR laboratory, or in an office setting. The employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting. The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear. The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor. The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud.