Lake Water Quality Research Technician, Virginia Tech

A new position for a research technician in a vibrant, interdisciplinary research team working in
freshwater ecology is available in the Carey Lab at Virginia Tech. This position is part of a recently-
funded NSF project that will develop a water quality forecasting system for a drinking water supply
reservoir and Global Lakes Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) site. As part of the project, we are
combining high-frequency sensor monitoring, modeling, ecosystem forecasting, and data-intensive
analytical approaches from ecology, computer science, and social science.

The research technician will be responsible for the following: 1) deploying and maintaining environmental
sensors deployed in a local reservoir and its watershed; 2) planning and conducting field and laboratory
research; 3) collaborating with an interdisciplinary research team; and 4) assisting with research project
logistics, including helping to organize teleconferences, workshops, and outreach activities.

Required qualifications include: a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental
engineering, natural resources/ecology, or related field; experience doing fieldwork and environmental
data collection outdoors in a range of conditions; experience deploying and maintaining environmental
sensors; excellent organizational and time management skills; the ability to work well independently and
as part of a highly collaborative team; must be able to swim, carry 30 pounds (14 kg), and be
comfortable working on boats; have excellent verbal and written communication skills; and a valid U.S.
driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications include: experience doing freshwater science fieldwork and water quality
monitoring; experience doing water chemistry labwork; experience analyzing sensor datasets; and
programming experience in R or a similar language (e.g., Python, Matlab, C, etc.).

The applicant must be able to start by April 2018, and the review of applications will begin on January
16, 2018. Candidates should submit: 1) a cover letter explaining their interest in the position; 2) a
CV/resume that details relevant work/research experience; and 3) names and contact information for
three references. Please upload your materials to: https://listings.jobs.vt.edu/postings/82115

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Dr. Cayelan Carey
Cayelan@vt.edu
www.carey.biol.vt.edu