Local recruitment: Temporary Research Assistant

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG)

Washington, D.C., USA 🇺🇸

Summary:

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has an immediate opening for a Temporary Water Resources Assistant (T-WRA). Candidates with previous field sampling experience will be strongly considered for the position. The T-WRA, will perform stream trash surveys in the Anacostia Watershed, in a team environment. The T-WRA will also work closely with project managers to perform tree planting work and to collect biological and geomorphic data in streams throughout the District of Columbia and the Anacostia watershed. Other responsibilities will include field data collection (e.g., vegetation surveys, water quality sampling, etc.), data entry and data entry validation, drafting summary tables and figures for reporting purposes. Applicants should be dependable, hardworking in both field and office environments; highly organized, independent and self-motivated with strong research and writing skills. A reliable means of personal transportation is a must. The position is up to 40 hours per week.

Job ID/Number: TDEP-012023

Posted Date: 1/11/2023

Job Location: Washington, DC

Position Type: Limited Tenure

Division: Office Of Human Resources Management

Description:

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Performing geomorphic stream channel cross-section measurements using professional grade surveying equipment;
  • Performing the Anacostia stream trash survey protocols;
  • Performing a wide variety of intermediate-skill GIS cartography-related tasks;
  • Performing fish and macroinvertebrate surveys using MBSS protocols;
  • Performing tree planting-related work (e.g., operating a mechanical two-man post hole auger, brush mower, weedwhacker, etc.);
  • Performing riparian vegetation surveys;
  • Performing instantaneous water quality measurements using a variety of electronic in situ meters;
  • Performing baseflow measurements using a flow meter;
  • Performing baseflow and stormflow water quality grab sampling;
  • Performing data entry into spreadsheets and databases; and
  • Taking notes at meetings and assisting with written meeting summaries.

Required Skills: The position requires working in a variety of environmental field conditions. Applicants should have a good knowledge and understanding in working in an urban watershed. Applicants should be familiarized with general stream surveying techniques and general approaches to reduce this pollutant. Applicants should have a good knowledge of the fish, macroinvertebrates, and vegetation found in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition, applicants should be familiar with biological surveying techniques (fish and macroinvertebrates); possess a good knowledge of research techniques; and the ability to speak and write effectively. This position demands an individual who works well both independently and in a team environment and who can stay on schedule and meet deadlines. A reliable means of personal transportation is also required. Basic level experience with water quality monitoring equipment, Microsoft Office 365, Esri ArcMap and/or ArcGIS Pro are a must.

Minimum Qualifications: Applicant must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, or related field. Specific training in the Anacostia Stream Trash survey technique, MBSS protocols, course work and/or experience with water quality monitoring and related water quality/resources issues are highly desired. Applicant must have strong oral communication and technical writing skills and be proficient in Microsoft Office 365. Basic database software (e.g., Access) and/or GIS applications experience is also a must. Field work requires the willingness and ability to work in a variety of outdoor settings/temperatures, in inclement weather and on uneven terrain surfaces.

Salary $53,266

Please Email Resumes

Contact: OHRM@mwcog.org


POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

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