Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist)
Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
Providence, Rhode Island
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) and the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP) are seeking an Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) to develop and manage the scientific projects and programs of the NBEP.
Created in 1987, the NBEP is one of 28 national estuary programs designated pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act and funded, in large part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Will play a leading and integrating role among the many scientists and organizations at work in the Narragansett Bay watershed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Will act as science liaison between the NBEP and federal, state, and local scientists and managers. Will coordinate and facilitate the NBEP’s Science Advisory Committee. While the position will not focus on active field research, the scientist will provide the needed synthesis and interpretation of existing research. Will develop, procure, and manage multi-partner competitive technical grants and provide technical input for the NBEP’s website.
The successful candidate must hold an advanced degree in environmental sciences, environmental engineering or a related field along with related professional experience. Knowledge and experience with estuarine science and management, particularly in areas of water quality and quantity, watershed management, and/or estuarine ecology.
Refer to
www.neiwpcc.org for full position description. Send cover letter, resume, three references, and short writing sample by March 28, 2014 to NEIWPCC attn.: Human Resources, 650 Suffolk Street, Suite 410, Lowell, MA 01854 or email to jobs@neiwpcc.org.
NEIWPCC JOB DESCRIPTION 2/18/2014 NBEP Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist)
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TITLE: NEIWPCC – Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist)
Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
EMPLOYER:
New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC),
650 Suffolk Street, Suite 410, Lowell, MA 01854
LOCATION:
This position will work full time at the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Office, Suite 310, 235 Promenade Street Providence, RI 02908-5767
SALARY:
Grade and Step dependent upon level of experience and qualifications
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Benefits provided but not included in salary range: vacation, personal and sick leave, health, dental, disability and life insurance, and retirement plan. This position requires the incumbent to work five days a week, 7 1/2 hours per day, except for approved compensatory time; with the possibility for some night and weekend work.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Narragansett Bay Estuary Program (NBEP) is seeking an Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) to develop and manage the scientific projects and programs of the NBEP. Created in 1987, the NBEP is one of 28 national estuary programs designated pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act and funded, in large part, by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission serves as a forum for interstate communication and coordination on water-related pollution control efforts among all the New England States and New York State and is the NBEP program host. NEIWPCC serves as financial administrator and program advisor to the NBEP and employs the program staff. NEIWPCC is hiring an Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) for NBEP.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
Incumbent operates with substantial independence of action and delegation of professional decisions within his or her area of activity. Incumbent operates under the general supervision of the NBEP Program Director, who provides instruction on work, guidance and review of completed work to assure accuracy and adherence to established policy and requirements. Independently performs tasks in an efficient and effective manner, using good judgment. Job performance is evaluated by the Program Director, in consultation with NEIWPCC Lowell, Mass. staff.
The Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) may have supervisory responsibility for interns, research scientists, etc. This includes, but is not limited to, assigning work and mentoring, conducting performance evaluations, approving annual leave, providing support and securing appropriate resources for the position, responding to grievances, disciplining and hiring and terminating the employee; in association with NEIWPCC Lowell, Mass. staff.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) position is responsible for developing and managing the technical projects and programs of the NBEP. The Environmental Analyst will play a leading and integrating role among the many scientists and organizations at work in the Narragansett Bay watershed in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts; will act as science liaison between the NBEP and federal, state, and local scientists and managers; will coordinate and facilitate the NBEP’s Science Advisory Committee; and will develop, procure, and manage multi-partner competitive technical grants and provide technical input the NBEP’s website. While the position will not focus on active field research, the Environmental Analyst will provide the needed synthesis and interpretation of existing research.
NEIWPCC JOB DESCRIPTION 2/18/2014 NBEP Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist)
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The Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) will work with partners in both RI and MA to develop and refine a system of applicable environmental indicators and to adapt monitoring strategies to support indicator reporting. He or she will help to facilitate needed synthesis and interpretation of data, to make data available to support management decisions, and to characterize environmental condition trends linked to ecological indicators. The Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) will participate in the development of data driven analytical tools and assist in the assessment of the modeling tools available or under development for the Narragansett Bay watershed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
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The Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist) will accomplish this by:
Keeping abreast of current science and research issues related to Narragansett Bay and estuaries in general
Monitoring existing research projects and providing guidance on future and potential research projects
Assisting in the coordination and tracking of federal, state, and local government activities and land use changes impacting the Bay and its watershed in both RI and MA
Analyzing existing data to be able to provide guidance and consultation on estuary environmental issues
Preparing scientific reports and documents, and analyzing and evaluating technical and scientific reports developed by others
Administering research and scientific grants
Taking the lead on developing regular reports on indicators of Narragansett Bay health
Tracking and managing implementation projects listed in the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)
Obtaining additional funds for research on estuary- related issues
Acting as a liaison between the NBEP and partners in facilitating the implementation of the CCMP
Ensuring NBEP partners have necessary information regarding policies, programs, data, and other information to assist in implementation of the CCMP
Supporting local and regional committees concerned with estuary issues
Providing expertise and assistance to state and federal agencies regarding habitat restoration related activities such as shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and nutrient management
Compiling implementation progress reports and EPA review materials
Preparing RFPs, grant applications and other documents; facilitating discussion, editing and writing, and other necessary tasks to support the implementation of the CCMP
Serving as coordinator and project officer for NBEP technical projects and contracts; preparing RFP language, coordinating the review of proposals and the development of work plans, tracking ongoing contract work and facilitating the final review of projects
Coordinating and collaborating with scientists working on projects in the Narragansett Bay Estuary.
Providing technical assistance to help implement land use and environmental laws
Serving as staff lead for the NBEP’s Science Advisory Committee. Includes identifying and prioritizing research needs, setting up meetings, delivering minutes, managing grants, contributing to other activities on behalf of the NBEP, and other duties as needed.
Analyzing, researching, and interpreting WQ data for determination of current water quality status, long-term trends, and linkages to biological monitoring data and environmental indicators
Overseeing graphing of data and all statistical analyses
NEIWPCC JOB DESCRIPTION 2/18/2014 NBEP Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist)
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Recruiting and overseeing interns, volunteers, and contractors helping with data management and analyses
Providing presentations at NBEP meetings and technical forums
Coordinating with the Quality Assurance Program Manager to ensure the development and approval of Quality Assurance Project Plans for all NBEP technical tasks involving the collection or use of environmental data
Performing and overseeing the review of technical project work plans and Quality Assurance Project Plans
Other duties as assigned
The satisfactory performance of the above duties and responsibilities requires the incumbent to have a thorough understanding of NEIWPCC’s and NBEP’s programs, organization, and policies, to exercise initiative and resourcefulness in complicated situations, and to be able to work effectively with state and federal contacts at both staff and top management levels, and with varied professional backgrounds. The ability to organize workload, and perform tasks in an accurate, concise, and timely manner is required.
RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience
The position requires a Master’s degree in environmental sciences or environmental engineering. Incumbent must have additional experience in scientific research work. Preference will be given to candidates with estuarine science and/or water quality management experience.
Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part time, technical or professional experience in the above-mentioned fields, including public participation, of which (B) at least three years must have been in a professional capacity and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutes.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate’s degree with a major in any of the fields listed above may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in any of the fields listed above may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree from a recognized school with a major in one of the fields listed above may be substituted for the required experience.
License
Possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License
Special Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge and experience in estuarine science and management, especially in areas of water quality and quantity, watershed management and/or estuarine ecology
The ability to direct and manage the technical aspects of the program and to communicate technical findings to scientists, resource managers, the NBEP Management and Executive Committees and the public
Experience in aquatic or marine science or policy, or coastal zone management
Knowledge of science and issues related to nutrients in aquatic systems
NEIWPCC JOB DESCRIPTION 2/18/2014 NBEP Environmental Analyst (Staff Scientist)
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Knowledge of data analysis techniques, including statistics
Knowledge of non-point source pollution, marine monitoring, habitat assessment, and stormwater management
Knowledge of planning principles and implementation techniques related to water quality protection
Technical understanding of broad range of issues related to watershed management, including water quality monitoring and assessment
Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical water quality indicators
Knowledge of habitat restoration activities
Knowledge of land use and water quality relationships
Working knowledge of natural resources management
Knowledge of public involvement and public participation theory and techniques
The ability to facilitate consensus among scientists and resource managers on complex environmental issues
Demonstrated ability to develop successful competitive grant applications and manage multi-entity technical projects
Knowledge of budget preparation, grant writing, and contract management
Translate technical and scientific information for a lay audience
Ability to facilitate large group meetings and speak well in public
Understanding of how and when to engage the public to garner project feedback
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups
Computer literacy, particularly word processing, spreadsheets, and project management
Excellent organizational skills
The following knowledge and skills would be helpful, although not a necessary requirement to qualify:
Knowledge of the legislation and programs related to NBEP resource management
Knowledge of the organization of state government
Knowledge and understanding of federal environmental laws and regulations
Ability to identify policy needs and coordinate policy development teams
Basic knowledge of GIS
Knowledge/experience with Narragansett Bay Estuary resource issues
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed largely in an office setting, but with need for travel to adjoining states for which private means of transportation must be available. Evening and weekend duty may be necessary. Some confrontational meetings with interest groups may occur, which will require good human relations skills and an ability to practice effective public participation techniques.