Geohydrology Research Project Manager

27214BR

Kansas Geological Survey

Position Overview

The Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) is seeking applications for a Research Project Manager. This position will provide management and oversight of core program projects that focus on water quality and environmental health and the progress of different aspects of the program. The Project Manager will focus on multiple research projects with diverse stakeholders, including but not limited to the KGS statewide groundwater quality monitoring program, which includes local, state, and federal agencies, private and not-for-profit partners, and government (scientific and regulatory) and academic scientists.

The Project Manager will oversee the management of key partnerships, including its strategic direction and continued program development. Duties involve managing and guiding program meetings, logistics, timelines, budgets, and other activities related to the program. The Project Manager will have the opportunity to participate in research activities within their area of expertise. Work will be conducted under the supervision of the Associate Director for Geohydrology & Geohealth.

Job Description

The Project Manager is responsible for ensuring the program is achieving its goals. As they oversee the progress of different aspects of the program, the Project Manager’s tasks include:

60% Project Management

• Primary liaison with state agencies, stakeholder groups, etc.
• Work with program leadership team to set, implement, and report on annual goals and timelines.
• Identify other projects with collaborative potential to incorporate into geohydrology and water quality databases; work closely with data managers/analysts to implement this.
• Track metrics for evaluating the program’s success.
• Lead reporting to funding sources and state agencies (e.g. KDHE).
• In consultation with field staff, coordinate field campaigns and develop sampling protocols.
• Track water quality samples through analysis pipelines.
• Oversee purchasing and track operational budgets.
• Coordinate all projects team members to produce annual reports.
• Serve as an overall source of information on Kansas water issues and agency contacts.
• Serve as proxy for the Associate Director as needed.

25% Research Collaboration, Coordination and Development

• Identify and develop ideas for new research projects.
• Oversee collaboration across project teams and with other divisions.
• Network with stakeholders and set meetings to develop proposals.
• Develop position papers, presentations, and web content to share research data and findings.
• Organize and interact with collaborating scientists to respond to funding opportunities.
• Contribute to research and publications within the program.

15% Broader KGS Collaboration and Professional Development

• Collaborate with other KGS personnel on research and service programs.
• Represent KGS at professional events.
• Serve on KGS committees.
• Attend workshops and courses in leadership, grants and contracts administration, project management, software, etc.

Position Requirements

Physical ability and willingness to work outdoors in all Kansas weather conditions.

Valid driver’s license.

Required Qualifications

Master’s Degree and 1 year of experience experience in science, engineering, or related field OR Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in science, engineering, or related field.

Experience working independently with a diverse array of collaborators, as evidenced in application materials and interview.

Strong leadership and implementation skills, ability to manage multiple project assignments, and ability to interact effectively with multiple stakeholders, as demonstrated in application materials.

High level of interpersonal skills and strong written and oral communication skills as demonstrated in application materials and interview.

Experience integrating, analyzing, synthesizing, and summarizing information to make judgments related to strategies to improve performance as demonstrated in application materials.

Demonstrated project management experience including: ability to follow direction, ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision; strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Demonstrated ability to write technical reports.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in natural science, engineering, or related field.

Five years related experience including significant management work experience in environmental or health related organization.

Demonstrated experience with archiving data and managing confidential information.

Ability to effectively participate in and influence project decision making and negotiating.

Demonstrated ability to learn and ability to work in a proactive and professional demeanor.

Experience with Kansas environmental issues and regulatory statutes.

Contact Information to Applicants

Annette Delaney
[email protected]

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes:

Current CV or Resume

Cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met

Contact information of three professional references including at least one supervisor

Review of applications begins March 18th and continues until a qualified pool of applicants is identified. 

Advertised Salary Range

$60,000 – $70,000, depending on qualifications and experience

Application Review Begins

18-Mar-2024

Anticipated Start Date

08-Apr-2024

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

Hybrid

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.