CLASSIFICATION: Temporary full-time, benefits eligible position

AGENCY: Environmental Institute of Houston

WEBSITE: www.eih.uhcl.edu

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is conducting the 2023-2024 National Rivers and Streams Assessment in Texas. This project is in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and its contractors. The goal of this assessment is to evaluate the condition of flowing waters by collecting field data related to physical habitat, fish assemblages, macrobenthic invertebrate communities, and water quality. The EIH is currently recruiting up to two full-time, benefits eligible Freshwater Ecology Field Crew Leaders with the position(s) anticipated to end in late December 2024 (approximately 22 months). All work will be based out of Houston; thus, the incumbent will be required to have local lodging accommodations, but extensive travel is required to conduct field work across Texas.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced field biologists interested in freshwater ecology field data collection and field team management. The Freshwater Ecology Field Crew Leader(s) will be responsible for overseeing small teams of 4-6 individuals, ensuring efficient and accurate collection of data related to overall river and stream ecology, and coordination with USEPA and their contracted data recipients. Additionally, crew leaders will be responsible for proper shipment of samples to contracted labs, data compilation and quality assurance, operation/maintenance of various field and laboratory equipment, driving university vehicles, vessels, and trailers. The Freshwater Ecology Field Crew Leader(s) will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, technicians, and graduate students to conduct field work in sometimes remote locations between April and September of each sampling year. Applicants must be able to conduct physically demanding work during high-heat and humidity and be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of equipment.

LOCATION: Based in Houston, TX; includes state-wide travel throughout Texas

SALARY: $40,000/year (commensurate with experience; temporary full-time, benefits eligible); travel expenses during field work covered by grant funds (relocation expenses not provided)

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in freshwater ecology, biology, environmental science or a closely related field. Applicants must be willing to travel; but are required to have lodging in the Houston area for office-based activities between sampling trips. Additionally, a successful candidate will:

Required

• Travel up to 14 days at a time and work long hours (10+) in the field during summer months.
• Be in good physical condition, able to lift 50 lbs., traverse steep/rough terrain, and be comfortable working from a boat, canoe, or kayak.
• Possess a positive attitude, and willing to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Have previous experience with common aquatic sampling techniques (e.g., benthic kick-net, riparian habitat assessment, electrofishing, etc.) and/or collection of environmental data associated with freshwater aquatic ecology.
• Have previous experience working in small field teams of 4-6 individuals.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate field/laboratory environmental/biological data collection equipment, including vehicles, vessels, and trailers.

Preferred

• Oversight in scientific data collection, entry, quality control, basic data analyses, and report compilation.
• Experience conducting riverine (wadeable and/or boatable) biological monitoring assessments.
• Experience with additional aquatic organism collection and preservation.
• Experience leading small teams of research staff and students in collection of environmental and biological data collection.

Additional Notes: Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, be physically able to drive university vehicles, and must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle background check prior to hiring. This is a full time, temporary, grant-funded position.

PRIMARY CONTACT: Mandi Gordon, (281) 283-3947, gordon@uhcl.edu *e-mail preferred

EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: April 2023 – December 2024 (approximately 21-month appointment; start date on 1^st or 16^th of first month dependent on prompt and proper completion of hiring paperwork)

ANTICIPATED START DATE:    April 16^th, 2023

ANTICIPATED END DATE:         December 20^th, 2024 (contingent on contract termination date)

APPLICATION DEADLINE:        March 5^th, 2023

HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must access the UHCL TALEO application portal through the following link: https://uhs.taleo.net/careersection/ex4_uhcl/jobdetail.ftl?job=STA011706&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago (link will redirect to the UHCL TALEO system job posting entitled “Research Associate”). Candidates should plan to submit a cover letter, current resume, and contact info for three references. Once all materials have been submitted, please forward the confirmation email to Mandi Gordon (gordon@uhcl.edu) including the PDF of your submitted documents.