RESEARCH SPECIALIST II

Hiring Department

School of Natural Resources

Job Description

The primary function of this position is to serve as field manager for the MU Limnology Lab ( https://sites.google.com/view/limnologylab-northmizzou ). The field manager will work on multiple projects funded by NSF, NASA, EPA, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). This position is multi-faceted, involving year-round field research conducted with motor boats, buoy and monitoring equipment installation and maintenance, water chemistry analysis, data management, and training and supervising of hourly employees working in the lab and field.

Conducting field research - This position requires the applicant to conduct field sampling/research from water bodies via a canoe or motor boat, while also training/supervising others in that effort. Given this is outdoor work, they should expect exposure to heat, rain, etc. Field days can be 12-16 hours long, but hours will not exceed 40 a week. Employee will be responsible for collecting and processing water samples, operating water monitoring equipment, maintaining buoys, and driving to monitoring sites at a variety of reservoirs in Missouri. They will also be responsible for maintaining vehicles, boats, and field equipment. Some overnight stays are likely.

Water chemistry analysis- Employee will be responsible for conducting analyses on water quality samples from Missouri water bodies. Previous chemistry lab experience is required. Analyses include colorimetric measurement of nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) in water, fluorometric measurements of phytoplankton biomass, and gravimetric analysis of suspended solids. Good laboratory hygiene is required.

Personnel management- On a daily basis, they will need to make decisions that require professional judgment and assume a position of responsibility in the lab. There is a tremendous amount of communication necessary between this person and others while supervising lab and field technicians and coordinating their activities. Employee should have advanced people/soft skills and be a team player.

Shift

Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Must be proficient in trailering and operating a motorboat up to 18 ft.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous chemistry lab experience is preferred.

Experience with coding and R software.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $18.50 - $26.34.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS-008
University Title: Research Specialist II

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

MU application

resume

cover letter

Review of applications will begin on July 1 st , 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Rebecca North ( northr@missouri.edu ).

Other Information

Some heavy lifting (~40 lbs)

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.