Jr. Regional Coordinator — Florida LAKEWATCH, University of Florida
Florida LAKEWATCH (lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu) at the University of Florida is seeking a Junior Regional Coordinator (UF TEAMS title is Lab Tech III) to support the extension and fieldwork arm of the program. Ideally this person will be interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in the future related to LAKEWATCH research. Details below and the official listing for this position can be found at: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/531423/laboratory-technician-iii. Please share with anyone that may be interested. ---
Classification Title: Laboratory Technician III Expected Salary: $34,500 – $43,000 Summary of Position Role/Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of this position is to facilitate citizen volunteers in the monitoring of water quality in Florida lakes. LAKEWATCH is a water quality monitoring program that facilitates "hands-on" participation by community volunteers in the management of Florida lakes, estuaries, rivers and springs through monthly sampling activities. LAKEWATCH is one of the largest community science programs in the country, with over 1800 trained volunteers, 800 monitored ecosystems, and 30 years of water quality data. In 1991, the Florida Legislature recognized the importance of the program and established Florida LAKEWATCH in the state statutes (Florida Statute 1004.49.). More information can be found at: https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/.
The LAKEWATCH Lab Tech III is responsible for the training, supervision, and coordination of volunteers who collect water quality data from Florida’s lakes, rivers, and coasts. They will also disseminate LAKEWATCH information to the public at regional meetings. Duties also include assisting in the compilation of data collected by volunteers for later analysis, maintaining the LAKEWATCH email and phone line, and creating/editing content for social media channels.
Job Description:
Specific Duties 40% - Working with other LAKEWATCH staff, the incumbent will facilitate the training of citizen volunteers in the monitoring of water quality in Florida lakes. The incumbent will organize and prepare equipment needed for the instruction and training of volunteers that will include the selection of sampling locations on their lake. They will be responsible for sample pickup at partner locations statewide. Additionally, the incumbent will 1) function as the point person for the lab email and phone line, forwarding communications to the appropriate coworker and 2) work with UF/IFAS to create and post regular content on social media platforms that highlights the work we and our volunteers conduct. 15% The incumbent will help coordinate and assist staff in Florida LAKEWATCH special studies and research relevant to the LAKEWATCH program. Potential research areas include water chemistry, aquatic plants, invasive species, fish and invertebrate communities, and aquatic pollution. 20% The incumbent will assist in compiling data collected by volunteers and during Florida LAKEWATCH research projects. The incumbent will help enter volunteer and research data into established data files for subsequent verification and analysis. The incumbent will help disseminate all information to the public about the LAKEWATCH program, including presentations at regional volunteer meetings. They will also assist with the planning and organizing of these regional volunteer meetings. 10% The incumbent will assist with maintenance of all field equipment, including sampling kits. 10% In collaboration with other LAKEWATCH staff, the incumbent perform other functions as may be necessary or beneficial in coordinating the Florida LAKEWATCH program. 5% Other duties assigned by the LAKEWATCH Extension Manager or Director, as needed.
Work Schedule
This position requires regular out-of-area travel to attend Regional Volunteer meetings, sample pickups, as well as conference and/or other research activities. The in-office work location is Building 782, 7922 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653. Normal work schedule will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm for a 40 hour week with flexibility to accommodate regular work travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Valid Florida driver’s license
- Ability to list 50 lbs.
Desirable skills:
- Ability to work well with the public; in person as well as over the phone and email;
- Ability to collect, record, and digitize scientific data;
- Ability to create engaging, on-brand, appropriate social media content;
- Strong science communication skills, particularly to non-specialist audiences and stakeholders;
- Knowledge of limnological principles; basic knowledge of aquatic ecology and chemistry;
- Experience working safely from boats.
Additional skills that would be considered an asset for this position:
- Experience with maintenance and upkeep of boats;
- Knowledge of Floridian freshwater ecosystems;
- Knowledge of standard fisheries sampling techniques and fish species identification;
- Knowledge of standard aquatic macrophyte sampling techniques and aquatic macrophyte identification.
https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/531423/laboratory-technician-iii