Temporary Water Resources Assistant

Summary:

Work is performed in both an office and field environments. Work includes a wide range of professional level environmental surveys and planning activities typically under the supervision of senior staff and will include administrative responsibilities for general program and workgroup support.

Description:  Primarily with staff support, the position will perform work primarily in the following areas:

• Conduct the stream trash surveys in the Anacostia Watershed semiannually.
• Prepare tree planting site and perform tree planting work.
• Collect field data to include plot vegetation surveys, water quality sampling, channel longitudinal profile and cross-sectional surveys, both MBSS benthic and fish surveys,) and geomorphic data in streams throughout the District of Columbia and the Anacostia watershed.
• Collect fish blockage data and update the online map services.
• Conduct continuous stream temperature study.
• Perform data entry and data entry validation, drafting summary tables and figures for reporting purposes.
• Perform a wide variety of intermediate-skill GIS cartography-related tasks.
• Manage and administer committee and workgroup meetings.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

• Performing geomorphic stream channel cross-section measurements using professional grade surveying equipment.
• Performing the stream trash survey using the Anacostia Trash Survey protocol.
• Collect fish blockage data using ArcGIS Field Maps and complete the workflow using desktop ArcGIS to edit and to visualize the data.
• Performing fish and benthic macroinvertebrate surveys using MBSS protocols.
• Sort benthic samples per the MBSS protocol.
• Initialize and set up multimeter sonde.
• Install sonde for temperature study.
• Collect water grad sample and operate water quality meter.
• Operate a mechanical two-man post hole auger, brush mower, and/or weedwhacker to prepare tree planting site.
• Manage volunteers during a tree planting event.
• Perform the circle plot overhead vegetation and point-intercept cover 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.
• Perform data entry into spreadsheets and databases; perform data entry the quality assurance process.
• Taking notes at meetings and drafting well written and accurate 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 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 MBSS biological surveying techniques (fish and macroinvertebrates); possess a good knowledge of research techniques; and the ability to effectively communicate technical material for non-technical audiences. This position demands an individual who works well both independently and in a team environment and who can stay on schedule and meet deadlines. Basic level experience with water quality monitoring equipment, Microsoft Office 365, Esri ArcMap and/or ArcGIS Pro are a must.

Education and Experience

Applicant must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, planning, or related field, plus relevant work experience, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities requires to carry out the work described above.   

Knowledge and Skills Specific

Applicants are expected to have good working knowledge the MBSS stream survey protocols, the Anacostia Stream Trash survey technique, and experience with water quality monitoring. Experience in operating land surveying equipment such as total station is highly desirable.

Computer Knowledge and Skills

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.

Communication Skills

Ability to communicate technical material for non-technical audiences. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write talking points and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to management, public groups, elected officials, and/or boards of directors. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with researchers, public officials, and with a range of stakeholders and across organizations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  A high level of self-motivation, self-direction, and intellectual curiosity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in both an office and field environments. The noise level in the office environment is usually moderate. Field work requires the willingness and ability to work in a variety of outdoor settings/temperatures and occasionally in inclement weather on uneven terrain/irregular surfaces.

WORK LOCATION

The candidate will be required to report to work at the COG office in Washington, D.C. This is not a fully remote work position. COG is currently conducting a pilot telework program that allows staff, upon approval of employee’s supervisor and departmental leadership to telework up to two days a week; it is subject to change. When working remotely, access to personal laptop and residential internet access is a must for the current teleworking conditions. Field site locations are discussed during field season planning meetings. A reliable means of personal transportation to field sites required and qualify for travel reimbursement when personal transportation is used. 

Salary may depend on overall qualifications:

Temporary Water Resources Assistant - Salary Rage (depends on qualifications) $54,685 - $79,718