Water Quality Scientist

Closes 12/22/2024

Summary/Objective

The Water Quality Scientist position is in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Conservation Health Section and works closely with other salaried and hourly staff to deliver the Fish Kills and Water Quality programs.  Conservation Health Section staff work together in a One Health framework to monitor and do research on plants, animals, and their environments to address information gaps and guide policy.  The Fish Kills and Water Quality programs investigate pollution issues at scales ranging from individual organisms to whole watersheds.  The Water Quality Scientist supervises a team of salaried and hourly staff to accomplish fish kill and harmful algal bloom monitoring statewide.  They are responsible for coordinating multiple research and monitoring projects designed to inform aquatic health policy, planning, and mitigation efforts.  The position also works in cooperation with Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and others to coordinate monitoring, research, and outreach efforts.

Aquatic health, water quality, limnology, environmental science, lake management, pollution.

Essential Job Duties

·        Develop research projects on aquatic health threats such as herbicides, pesticides, nutrients, and other pollutants which lead to fish kills, pollution events, and harmful algal blooms.  Includes statistical design, data analyses, interpreting results, and reporting results.

·        Coordinate multiple research and monitoring projects designed to improve our response to aquatic health threats now and in the future.

·        Supervise a team of salaried and hourly staff to accomplish water quality, fish kill, and harmful algal bloom monitoring statewide.

·        Provide water quality, fish kill, and harmful algal bloom investigation training to MDC staff, other Departments, and partners.

·        Coordinate field investigations between MDC staff and other agencies.

·        Manage water quality, fish kill, and harmful algal bloom data through web-based software applications.

·        Coordinate fish kill cases with MDNR Enforcement staff.

·        Collaborate with state and federal partners to provide expertise and scientific information as needed for water quality criteria development.

·        Communicate current and emerging aquatic health information via presentations, publications and other written materials, and other outreach activities.

·        Provide policy support across our aquatic systems through field work, data collection, summarization, and recommendations.

·        Manage a laboratory by monitoring supplies and coordinating purchases of shared supplies.

Ancillary Job Duties

Participate in annual Chronic Wasting Disease monitoring activities.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Water Quality, Limnology, Fisheries, Biological Sciences, Ecology, or related.

At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.

Must maintain a valid, current driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to manage large relational databases.

Ability to operate boats, outboard motors, and large trucks pulling trailers.

Ability to travel and work varying shifts, as required.

Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, phone system, fax, scanner, and computer.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Experience designing and implementing research projects including statistical design, analyzing data, and interpreting results.

Experience with environmental chemistry, water quality, limnology, and/or fishery science.

Experience calibrating water quality sensors, deploying data sondes, and processing large continuous water quality datasets.

Familiarity with GPS equipment and GIS software.

Work Environment

Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.

Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

Physical Abilities

Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.

Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.

Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.

Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.

Concentrated attention is required at all times.

Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.