Environmental Analyst VII - Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section Supervisor

Overview

The Department of Environmental Conservation, Watershed Management Division, Rivers Program is seeking a highly motivated individual to lead the Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section within the River Science Section. The River Science Section collects and analyzes biological, physical, and chemical surface water data. The section supervisor is responsible for implementation of the River Science Strategic Plan. This is a unique opportunity to lead the build-out of the program's monitoring and assessment work to optimize data collection and analysis to better inform regulatory, restoration, and conservation decisions of the Division. This position is stationed at the Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory, located in Randolph Center, VT. Some work outside of regular hours is required, including field days exceeding the standard 8-hour workday and occasional overnight trips throughout the state.

The position is responsible for the following job duties:

• Provides ongoing leadership and coordination implementing the River Science Strategic Plan to ensure prioritized collection and analysis of biological, physical, and chemical surface water data.
• Supervises and supports the Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section staff individually and collectively as part of the team, including the direct supervision and management of three full-time employees, 1-3 seasonal staff, and training of new field and laboratory staff.
• Assists with data management, reporting, and quality assurance tasks. Actively participates in programmatic initiatives and the integration of chemical, physical and biological monitoring of rivers within the River Science Section.
• Completes projects and deliverables related to team organization and function, including but not limited to; data analysis and synthesis, the maintenance of online tools and databases, and report preparation.
• Coordinates and supports work of NGOs and academia that intersects with the work of the River Science Section.
• Assists with the implementation of the LaRosa Partnership Program, which includes optimizing this water quality monitoring program to meet the needs of the Division.
• Provide oversight and coordination of the Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section/ Watershed Management Division Laboratory at Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory.

Desirable experience and skills include:

• Education/expertise in aquatic ecology, including monitoring the biological, chemical, and physical condition of flowing waters.
• Supervisor experience and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management and organization skills.
• Excellent communication skills through written and spoken word, for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and with a team to build positive collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Experience with fish and macroinvertebrate sample collection, water chemistry sample collection, physical habitat characterization, and biological criteria methods, in general, and those utilized by VT DEC.
• Experience with identification of macroinvertebrates and non-game fish to genus and species level.
• Ability to manage and analyze data with Excel, R, and ArcGIS.
• Ability to swim, canoe, and lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of equipment in backpacks on hikes up to 5 miles.
• Flexibility to work overtime and participate in overnight trips throughout the state.

Who May