Senior Research Specialist – Ecohydrology
Hiring Organization:
Oklahoma State University
Employment type: Full-Time
Application Due Date: April 30, 2025
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Oklahoma State University invites applications for a full-time Sr. Research Specialist. This is an exempt position (which indicates that the position is exempt from overtime pay/comp time accrual). According to OSU policy, a 40-hour work week is considered minimal for exempt staff and you are expected to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week when the work load requires additional hours (to include some early mornings, evenings and/or weekends). Travel to research sites mostly across the State of Oklahoma to perform research duties is required; Weekend/evening work (before 8:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.) may be required because hydrologic field data must be collected when storms occur, often at unpredictable times. 40+ hour work weeks may be necessary. Full university benefits apply.
Responsibilities include:
1) Manage the watershed hydrology and ecohydrology laboratory, including supervising student workers; oversee routine vegetation, soil, and water quality analyses conducted by graduate students and undergraduate student workers; perform and supervise data entry of vegetation, soil, hydrologic, and water quality data into database files; implement and oversee a quality control program for databases to ensure data accuracy and integrity; preparation of data for analysis; manage laboratory equipment, and insure compliance with quality control standards and lab safety protocols; train student workers in field and lab procedures, as well as safety compliance.
2) Assist with, supervise, and perform the installation of field equipment and field data collection; learn and apply new field techniques and operate specialized equipment as needed; train and supervise field technicians to ensure effective field operations; conduct and oversee field data collection to ensure accuracy and consistency; perform and supervise the maintenance and calibration of field equipment; travel to field sites as required to support ongoing research activities; Ensure the timely and accurate installation of equipment and collection of field data; maintain clear and effective communication with research station and field staffs to coordinate tasks and resolve issues.
3) Analyze data and present preliminary results from field observations and lab analyses; prepare preliminary results in the form of tables or graphs to assist with program reporting and proposal writing; supervise and train student workers, interns, and graduate students to conduct preliminary data analysis.
4) Analyze results on specific topics to support investigation; present results at lab meetings, regional meetings, and symposia or conferences; author or co-author journal articles to disseminate research outcomes. Field work is done outdoors in the rangeland and forest; employee is exposed to rough terrain and adverse weather conditions. May work alone in remote locations. Must be in good physical condition; field work can be strenuous. Must be able to work outside in heat or cold. Must be able to lift 50+ lbs.
Qualifications:
Required qualifications:
1) A B.S. degree in forestry, range, soils, environmental science or a related field;
2) 1 to 2 years experience in any combination of the following:
• Soil sampling/processing, water sampling/processing, and/or biomass measurements
• Deployment and maintenance of soil and/or hydrological equipment
• Troubleshooting sensor-based data
• Data manipulation and QA/QC
In addition, applicants are required to hold a valid driver’s license, possess strong computer and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and manage data effectively; good organizational and communication skills; adaptable to new procedures; capable of operating complex machinery; skilled in prioritizing tasks and managing multiple concurrent projects; a positive attitude when working independently or as part of a team; be comfortable working in field environment.
Preferred qualifications:
1) An M.S. degree in forest and rangeland hydrology, ecohydrology, or ecosystem science;
2) Experience in soil moisture and infiltration measurement; experience with installing and maintaining field equipment, including automatic data acquiring and retrieval systems, in experimental watershed study; experience with meteorological station, sensor arrays, and eddy covariance method is highly desirable Salary: Competitive and commensurate with education, training, and experience.
Application Procedures:
Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu (search by keyword req19414). Candidates should submit: 1) a letter of application, 2) a complete CV that includes: background, education, and experience, 3) contact information for three (3) references. Questions can be directed to Dr. Chris Zou, chris.zou@okstate.edu.
About the Department, Division, University and Stillwater
The department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is comprised of 23 faculty with expertise in fisheries, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources, plus 12 administrative and research support staff. More than 50 master’s and doctoral graduate students are advised by NREM faculty, and we serve over 240 undergraduate students.
The Department is also the administrative home of the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. For more information about the department, visit http://nrem.okstate.edu.
To learn more about OSU Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and Stillwater, visit these websites:
• https://agriculture.okstate.edu
• https://agresearch.okstate.edu
• https://extension.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.
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