Water Quality Monitoring/Watershed Specialist

Title: SWRO - W0697 - Water Quality Monitoring/Watershed Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist I

Hiring Range: $20.03

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Dept of Environmental Quality

Location: Dept of Environmental Quality

Agency Website: www.deq.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Environmental Quality, Southwest Regional Office is seeking a qualified candidate to provide field, lab, and office assistance. This seasonal wage position is focused on technical tasks related to environmental science and the monitoring and evaluation of Virginia’s waters.

This wage position provides an opportunity to gain experience working in a challenging and rewarding position that provides real work experience in a variety of scientific and technical disciplines and in a variety of geographic areas. Staff in these positions work directly with other scientific professionals and environmental managers to create a work experience that contributes to their scientific studies, potential career goals, and developmental needs, and provides an opportunity to network with DEQ professionals.

Duties may include one or a combination of the following duties:

• Collecting ambient water and biological samples.
• Using water monitoring sampling equipment and analytical instrumentation (field and lab).
• Processing water and biological samples.
• Reviewing and summarizing scientific data.
• Assisting with scientific field visits and inspections.
• Assisting in the generation of scientific reports.
• Handling and identifying live aquatic organisms
• Managing databases and digital mapping.
• Collecting and identifying fish.
• Assisting with general office, laboratory, and field tasks.
 

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of coursework in biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology or related science or field.
• Knowledge of environmental field sampling, field safety and general laboratory safety procedures.
• Knowledge of general laboratory analytical procedures/protocols.
• Ability to work independently and work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and GIS.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to follow verbal and written directions with precision and accuracy.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds and to work outside in summer heat or other adverse weather conditions. Ability to walk over difficult terrain (e.g. mountainous areas, uneven flowing stream bottoms). Working on boats may be required for some positions.
• Ability to work in the field collecting fish samples.
• Overnight travel may be required.

Additional Considerations

• A valid boater operator certification may be required