Job description
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
PG193102SP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Water Quality Technician
Anticipated Hiring Range
$38,000 - $40,000
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, Field collection of samples may be needed under adverse field conditions. Although scheduling will be made to accommodate anticipated field conditions, field weather conditions may change during field activities
Job Location
Raleigh, North Carolina
Department
About the Department
The Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences (MEAS) within the College of Sciences at NC State is one of the nation’s largest interdisciplinary geoscience departments. The Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences provides (1) high quality geoscience instruction to the University community through it courses in marine, Earth, and atmospheric sciences; (2) educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in physics through world-class research, and (3) outreach activities that foster improved public awareness and understanding of science. Our Research programs cover a diverse spectrum including meteorology, climatology, geology, oceanography, and marine biology. MEAS includes approximately 40 faculty, 70 graduate students, and over 200 undergraduates involved in basic and applied studies of Earth Systems. MEAS is dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and promoting a diverse and inclusive environment that allows all members of the Department to thrive. The Department offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees. Our principal concentrations include weather prediction, air quality, air-sea interactions, storm and climate modeling, hydrology, geochemistry, oceanography, active tectonics, surface processes & Quaternary studies, geochronology, sedimentology, regional geology, and geospatial analytics applied to the geosciences.
The multi-disciplinary nature of our department lends itself to the study of such problems as prediction of severe weather (e.g. hurricanes), geologic hazards, coastal erosion, air-sea-land interactions, pollution of surface and groundwater, big-data assimilation, and global climate change. While basic research is always important, many of our research projects also have direct application to current issues such as water quality/water supply, seafood harvests, climate change, weather prediction, natural hazards, Earth resources and land use. MEAS offers degree programs in marine sciences, geology, and meteorology. Our programs include many tracks in each of our program areas and thus provide the opportunity for an education broader than bachelor’s degrees in more traditional departments. Additional information about the department and its facilities can be found on the web page: https://meas.sciences.ncsu.edu.
Opportunities exist for disciplinary and interdisciplinary interactions with a wide range of scientists at NC State. MEAS is one of the largest interdisciplinary geoscience departments in the nation. The North Carolina State Climate Office and the Raleigh office of the National Weather Service reside on NC State’s campus. MEAS is one of six NC State departments with a presence at the NC State Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST), a coastal and marine science research facility located on Bogue Sound in Morehead City, NC (http://www.cmast.ncsu.edu), and MEAS faculty participate in the Center for Geospatial Analytics (http://geospatial.ncsu.edu). In addition, the Data Science Initiative (DSI), sponsored by the Office of Research and Innovation at NC State, seeks to create a nationally recognized hub of excellence in data science and analytics (https://research.ncsu.edu/dsi). Raleigh, North Carolina is a progressive and welcoming community with a wide range of potential collaborators at nearby academic and governmental institutions in the Research Triangle. Opportunities exist to draw on departmental and campus resources to develop strong teaching expertise using best practices.
Please visit https://sciences.ncsu.edu/about/strategic-planning/culture-charter/ for information on the College of Sciences Culture Charter.
The multi-disciplinary nature of our department lends itself to the study of such problems as prediction of severe weather (e.g. hurricanes), geologic hazards, coastal erosion, air-sea-land interactions, pollution of surface and groundwater, big-data assimilation, and global climate change. While basic research is always important, many of our research projects also have direct application to current issues such as water quality/water supply, seafood harvests, climate change, weather prediction, natural hazards, Earth resources and land use. MEAS offers degree programs in marine sciences, geology, and meteorology. Our programs include many tracks in each of our program areas and thus provide the opportunity for an education broader than bachelor’s degrees in more traditional departments. Additional information about the department and its facilities can be found on the web page: https://meas.sciences.ncsu.edu.
Opportunities exist for disciplinary and interdisciplinary interactions with a wide range of scientists at NC State. MEAS is one of the largest interdisciplinary geoscience departments in the nation. The North Carolina State Climate Office and the Raleigh office of the National Weather Service reside on NC State’s campus. MEAS is one of six NC State departments with a presence at the NC State Center for Marine Sciences and Technology (CMAST), a coastal and marine science research facility located on Bogue Sound in Morehead City, NC (http://www.cmast.ncsu.edu), and MEAS faculty participate in the Center for Geospatial Analytics (http://geospatial.ncsu.edu). In addition, the Data Science Initiative (DSI), sponsored by the Office of Research and Innovation at NC State, seeks to create a nationally recognized hub of excellence in data science and analytics (https://research.ncsu.edu/dsi). Raleigh, North Carolina is a progressive and welcoming community with a wide range of potential collaborators at nearby academic and governmental institutions in the Research Triangle. Opportunities exist to draw on departmental and campus resources to develop strong teaching expertise using best practices.
Please visit https://sciences.ncsu.edu/about/strategic-planning/culture-charter/ for information on the College of Sciences Culture Charter.
Essential Job Duties
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Coordinate the initial processing of field samples and testing.
- Coordinate sample arrival to the laboratory with field personnel, record initial sample meta data, and conduct initial sample processing and testing.
- Interact actively with other laboratory personnel, the principal investigator, and co-investigators to set project sampling priorities and for scheduling field sampling.
- Responsible for day-to-day processing of field samples arriving in the laboratory and their initial testing.
- Sporadically participate in field sample collection.
- Calibrate and use hand-held water quality meters.
- Conduct microbial analyses for the presence/absence and potential quantification of Enterococcus spp. and potentially other fecal indicator organisms, prepare samples for mitochondrial DNA analysis and other forms of DNA testing.
This is a time-limited position based on the availability of funding. Funding is currently secured for the 2023 calendar year. This position is located at NCSU’s South Campus Jordan Hall and at the Varsity Drive Field Station as well as Jordan Hall.
Other Responsibilities
- Aid Faculty, Staff, and Students in associated field projects.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Other Required Qualifications
- Experience with the processing of water quality samples, meta data recording, sample filtration and microbial techniques
- Experience recording sample meta data, conducting sample filtration, pipetting samples into 96 well plates and preparing other sample aliquots
- Ability to coordinate initial sample processing of field samples arriving in the laboratory
- Ability to perform collection of sample meta data, GPS coordinates, assessing data quality, data charting and assisting with report preparation
- Prior experience collecting water grab samples at field sites, and collecting samples for automated water samplers
- Ability to use an autoclave and safely operate motor vehicles, boats, kayaks and canoes
- Attention to detail to ensure data quality, equipment readiness for field use, and adherence to safety protocols
- Ability to effectively communicate and work as a member of a laboratory team, mutually supporting the work of other laboratory and field personnel
- Basic computing skills with word-processing software, spreadsheets and experience preparing tables and charts
- Experience using a vertical laminar flow hood and with aseptic technique required
- Skills working with light and dissecting microscopes, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment (e.g. vortex), and collecting water quality data using hand-held water quality meters (e.g. YSI multi-probe)
- Must be able to safely lift 50 lbs, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Preferred Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in a biologic science related discipline and at least 10 months prior experience working in a research laboratory conducting sample processing and laboratory testing.
- Valid boat operation license.
Required License or Certification
- A valid NC Driver’s License is required.
Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
03/06/2023
Earliest Close Date- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)
04/20/2023
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions
In addition to a fully completed application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00109952
Position Type
SHRA
Position Classification Band Title
Research Technician
Position Classification Band Level
Journey
Position Classification Salary Range
$31,200 - $66,122
Salary Grade Equivalency
GN06
Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Time Limited Position
Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
Initially 12 months, recurring as funding allows
Is this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?
No
Department Id
178601 - Marine, Earth And Atmospheric
AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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