Water Quality Lead Scientist

Overview

RES seeks to hire a Lead Water Quality Solutions Scientist experienced in water quality assessment and restoration planning as part of the overall National Water Quality Solutions Team, sitting in our Richmond, VA, Chicago, IL or Raleigh, NC offices, or remotely. 

The mission: to work closely with the Water Quality Solutions Team to understand and address water quality issues through collaboration with clients, NGOs, and regulators. You will investigate the sources of water quality problems and provide guidance on addressing these concerns using innovative nature-based solutions and ecological restoration at the watershed scale. You will have the opportunity to lead and/or work with experienced biologists, scientists, ecologists, and/or engineers in data collection, analysis and project site identification in selected priority states and regions across the United States. Note that travel to project sites may be expected up to 30% of your time.

What your day-to-day might look like?

You will be providing technical support to the Water Quality Solutions Team to develop innovative, watershed-scale projects for water quality restoration and mitigation by performing the following activities:

Field Data Collection and Analysis:

• Operate as the lead staff member for field data collection and analysis, collaborating across regions for technical support. Around 20 to 30% of your time may be spent in the field, leading scientists to perform environmental studies and permitting activities, as related to identifying water quality issues and solutions. Typical field activities may include water quality (surface and/or groundwater) monitoring, hydrological (stage, discharge, etc.) monitoring, stream/wetland  assessments, and soils/sediment sampling and monitoring.

Staff Coordination and Task Management:

• Provide staff coordination and assist with task management of projects. Develop schedules and effectively communicate expectations to project team(s). Ensure the production of drawings, figures, reports, and analyses meets the scope, schedule, cost, and quality requirements. Lead multiple interdisciplinary field teams as needed.

Training and Development:

• Train junior staff on field data collection protocols, safety protocols, sampling procedures, and calibration of sampling equipment as needed. Assist in the resolution of conflicting technical information. Ensure junior staff are well-equipped and knowledgeable to perform their tasks safely and effectively.

Collaboration and Client Coordination:

• Coordinate directly with the Water Quality Solutions Team and clients to discuss project needs. Collaborate with the Water Quality Solutions Team to help develop conceptual project designs, proposals, budgets, and assist with project site identification.

Project Management and Reporting:

• The remaining time will be spent analyzing data, performing statistical analysis, data comparison, coordinating staff resources, managing projects, and preparing and/or reviewing reports. Perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) to ensure that all project deliverables meet high standards of accuracy and quality.

Qualifications

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• BS in physical or biological/engineering sciences (Biology, Environmental Science, Geology, Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Engineering, Agricultural Science or similar Science), MS is preferred
• 10+ years experience or 8 years with an advanced degree.
• Advanced understanding of water quality issues such as TMDLs, state-specific criteria, alternative restoration plans, pollutant source tracking, pollutant modeling/calculations, watershed management planning
• Advanced understanding of conventional and innovative ecological restoration practices targeting waterbody and watershed restoration
• Experience with CWA section 401 and The Clean Waterways Act
• Advanced understanding of GIS/map creation, spatial analysis and interpretation
• Highly skilled in scientific data analysis, report writing and QA/QC of other data and reports

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

RES is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law