Research Specialist II in Gloucester

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

The mission of Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR-VA or Reserve) is to exhibit leadership in coastal zone management through innovative estuarine and coastal watershed science and education programs that promote natural-resource stewardship and science-based solutions to complex socioecological challenges.

This role provides technical support for CBNERR-VA administered by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), William & Mary (W&M), serving as a Research Specialist II in its Water and Stewardship programmatic sectors. The Research Specialist II assumes a supporting role in the day-to-day operations associated with the Reserve’s Water and Stewardship programs.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental, marine, biological, physical science or related field.
• Competencies: Familiarity and interest in coastal habitats and resource management. Ability to support field and laboratory functions of water quality and ecosystems studies. Interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member. Ability to drive to field sites with a state/VIMS vehicle (valid driver’s license required) and serve as support crew on research vessels.
• Experience: Previous field experience working in a variety of coastal habitats (e.g., tidal marshes, submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs and natural shorelines).

Preferred Qualifications

• Competencies: Working knowledge of YSI datasonde or other similar equipment used for water quality monitoring. Working knowledge of multi-media (e.g., water, soil, flora/fauna) sample collection and processing. Experience operating a boat and/or trailering vessels.
• Experience: 1-2 years previous field/lab experience.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Field & Lab Support for CBNERR-VA Water Program (45%): Day-to-day operations associated with the Reserve’s shallow water quality monitoring program include routine maintenance and deployment/retrieval of continuous monitoring instruments. Various responsibilities for elements of discrete water sample collection and analysis (e.g., bottle cleaning/labeling, collection, processing such as filtration/weighing/drying, cleaning, note taking/chain of custody, and selected analysis). Miscellaneous field & lab responsibilities related to ongoing (e.g., buoy, DataFlow) and new water quality program efforts.
• Field & Lab Support for CBNERR-VA Stewardship Program (45%): Support field and laboratory efforts related to long-term monitoring of critical Reserve nearshore habitats including seagrass beds, emergent wetlands, and living shoreline projects. Support field and citizen science activities related to species of concern management strategies, such as nest protection, debris removal, and restoration plantings. Assist in geospatial surveys using standard survey and GPS-based technologies to be used in the development of natural resource related GIS-based data files and habitat maps. Collect and process multi-media (water, soil, biological) samples. Complete field and lab associated instrument/sample data sheets and assist in computer-based data entry.
• Assist in Other Reserve Programs (10%): Participate and provide assistance to Reserve’s core programmatic areas (administrative, research, education, training and stewardship) as needed.

Salary: up to $50,000.00 commensurate with experience

Conditions of Employment: This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding. This position is subject to overtime during high peak times, with occasional overnight and out of town work required. Ability to successfully pass first-aid and other required safety programs. Must hold and keep active a valid drivers license. Subject to adverse weather conditions.

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.