Aquatic Biologist

The Watershed Management Bureau at the Department of Environmental Services in New Hampshire has posted a job announcement for an Aquatic Biologist.  This position will plan, implement, and coordinate complex environmental studies to evaluate water quality conditions in NH surface waters.  The position also provides technical and management support to the NHDES Jody Connor Limnology Center (JCLC) and assistance to the Exotic Aquatic Plant Program and other field and laboratory programs in the bureau.  The ideal candidate will have strong experience in surface quality monitoring, complex data analysis, and proven experience in Geographic Information Systems technologies.  This position will also serve as the lead laboratory safety officer, so skills in laboratory safety equipment and protocols are a plus.  The position will be field and lab heavy during the growing season, with work in the office during the winter months.  The candidate must be comfortable working on the water, in a variety of boat types, and trailering boats and other equipment.

Responsibilities:

Executes a range of laboratory activities within the JCLC, including but not limited to sample tracking using relational databases, water quality instrument operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, and water  quality and biological sample analysis.

Serves as the lead laboratory safety officer for the JCLC, developing and overseeing all laboratory safety measures, and handling and disposal of hazardous waste. Provides continuous training to new and existing laboratory staff in standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safe and proper use of technical field equipment and laboratory  instrumentation.

Coordinates with other laboratory staff to implement quality control / quality assurance projects measures that ensure high quality data.

Collects biological, chemical, and physical samples related surface water quality for the purpose of implementing the Watershed Management Bureau’s monitoring strategy to track the status and trends of the state’s surface water resources.

Provides assistance with aquatic plant surveys for the detection and mapping of exotic aquatic plants and other nuisance aquatic organisms to assist in statewide invasive species management.

Investigates complex water quality complaints, reviews remediation plans, and assists in formulating recommendations that protect the state’s aquatic resources.

Provides technical assistance in awarding grants for exotic species management including grant document preparation and
drafting of elements of long-term aquatic invasive species management plans.

Develops and uses computer models to analyze and interpret data with a special emphasis on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms relative to water quality monitoring and aquatic invasive species management.

Provides support as necessary to other Watershed Management Bureau programs such as citizen volunteer water quality monitoring and contributes to reports through the evaluation of scientific data.

Continually seeks to improve practices to add quality and value in support of the Department’s mission while identifying and eliminating unnecessary or redundant actions.

The closing deadline is May 30.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Amy Smagula at Amy.P.Smagula@des.nh.gov.