Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist I

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) seeks an Environmental Specialist I to be located at Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve (OWC-NERR) in Huron, Erie County, Ohio.  OWC-NERR is managed cooperatively between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the ODNR Office of Coastal Management. Reserve activities are aimed at understanding and informing the conservation, management, and sustainability of Lake Erie’s coastal ecosystems and communities. The property is managed by the ODNR Department of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) as a State Nature Preserve.

A description of the position is included below; For more information about specific responsibilities and qualifications and the application process, visit the State of Ohio website at: http://careers.ohio.gov/. The position posting can be found at:https://tinyurl.com/y72ymuo5. Applications are due Dec. 16, 2018.

Responsibilities and Duties
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Reserve Manager. The incumbent works closely with the Reserve Research Coordinator to implement a long-term estuary and watershed monitoring program, which includes meteorology, water quality and quantity, emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation, and target invertebrate and vertebrate communities. This will involve the development and maintenance of a vertical control network (i.e., survey level horizontal and vertical positions) of monitoring equipment and other locations within the Preserve. The incumbent also collaborates with DNAP staff to implement the reserve Stewardship Program, which includes surveying, mapping, and managing terrestrial and aquatic habitats and controlling invasive species.  Additionally, the incumbent will assist OWC-NERR and Office of Coastal Management staff responsible for education, training, outreach or other activities as needed.

Specific duties include:
Assist with field, laboratory, and computer work necessary to collect and analyze samples for monitoring water quality and quantity, meteorological conditions, and targeted biological communities (e.g., algae, zooplankton, fish);

Assist with field and laboratory work necessary to calibrate, maintain, and deploy equipment used for monitoring and transmitting water quality, water quantity, and meteorological data;

Assist with the development and implementation of the OWC NERR Stewardship Program, including habitat and vegetation monitoring and on-site stewardship and education actions;

Assist with surveying field and computer work necessary to establish and maintain a vertical control network;

Assist with data collection, management, analysis, mapping, and reporting;

Assist with maintaining facilities and purchasing supplies necessary to support OWC NERR research and stewardship activities; and

Attend and participate in meetings, technical workshops, seminars, conferences, and similar.

Required Qualifications
Three years training or experience OR completion of undergraduate core program in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field.

Desired Qualifications/Special Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of and experience monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
Knowledge of and experience conducting environmental stewardship of terrestrial and aquatic coastal habitats.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to use Microsoft Office products.
Operation and use of survey and advanced water quality and meteorological monitoring equipment.
Experience with the preparation and analysis of water quality samples (i.e., wet chemistry) following EPA and other national protocols.
Experience with or demonstrated ability to follow detailed and rigorous sampling protocols.
Experience with large data set management and quality assurance and control.

Inquiries can be directed to Debi Beck, P.E., Assistant Chief ODNR Office of Coastal Management and Acting Manager ODNR OWC-NERR at deborah.beck@dnr.state.oh.us