Environmental Technician IV - Rivers Program - Limited Service

The Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section of the Rivers Program seeks a uniquely qualified water quality monitoring specialist to assist the Watershed Management Division with biological, physical, and chemical monitoring of surface waters. This position is stationed at the Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory, located in Randolph Center, VT. Some work outside regular hours is required, including field days exceeding the standard 8-hour work day and occasionally overnight trips throughout the state.

This is a Limited Service position.

The position is responsible for the following job duties:

• Independently complete laboratory processing of benthic macroinvertebrate samples according to VTDEC laboratory processing protocols, including initial removal of macroinvertebrates from stream detritus, sorting of macroinvertebrates by taxonomic order, and identification of select groups of macroinvertebrates to lowest practical taxonomic level, typically genus or species
• Coordinate laboratory processing workflow and logistics, track samples in the laboratory, organize and ship quality assurance samples and additional samples to external contactor, assist with sample set up and coordination of volunteers in the laboratory
• Organize, inventory, maintain and order field and laboratory equipment as needed
• Conduct field work on streams throughout the state of Vermont in support of the Ambient Biomonitoring Network and EPA's National Rivers and Streams Assessment
• Assist with the implementation of the LaRosa Partnership Program
• Assist with additional data management, reporting, and quality assurance tasks. Actively participate in programmatic initiatives and integration of chemical, physical and biological monitoring of rivers within the River Science Section

Desirable experience and skills include:

• Experience with aquatic ecology, including monitoring the biological, chemical, and physical condition of flowing waters.
• Experience with macroinvertebrate sample collection, water chemistry sample collection, and physical habitat characterization utilizing VT DEC and EPA NRSA methods.
• Experience with identification of macroinvertebrates to genus and species level.
• Experience operating and calibrating water chemistry equipment and instrumentation.
• Ability to manage and analyze data with Excel, Access, R, and ArcGIS.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Excellent communication skills through written and spoken word, for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and with a team to build positive collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Ability to swim, canoe, and lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of equipment in backpacks on hikes up to 5 miles.

This position, Environmental Technician IV - Rivers Program - Limited Service (Job Requisition #52212), is open to all State employees and external applicants.It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs.

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jeff.Crocker@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting opinions may be encountered.

Bachelor's degree in a biological life or physical science, natural resources field, math or engineering AND three (3) years of experience in the administration of a technical program.

OR

Associates degree in a biological life or physical science, natural resources field, math or engineering AND five (5) years of experience in the administration of a technical program.

OR

Two years experience as an Environmental Technician III.

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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