The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
About Drexel
Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, a comprehensive global research university and a major engine for economic development in the region. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.
Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that welcomes individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds and perspectives and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic.
About the Academy
The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded in 1812 for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences". Since then, it has sponsored global expeditions, conducted pioneering environmental and systematics research, and amassed remarkable collections containing more than 18 million specimens from around the world and a peerless library and archive. Since 2011 its academic enterprise has been further strengthened through its affiliation with nearby Drexel University – a leading private non-profit research institution that focusses on innovation and entrepreneurship and provides a unique cooperative education program for its undergraduate and graduate degree students.
Today the Academy is one of the most important natural science institutions in the world. However, the world is changing fast and the Academy – directed by its Strategic Plan 2019-24 - is changing with it. Over the next five years the Academy will become a “force for nature” and advance its mission: “to understand the natural world and inspire everyone to care for it”. In so doing the Academy will build on its fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion generates better ideas, inspires creativity, and is essential to building a positive workplace so that in time it can become an institution that is of, by and for all Philadelphians.
Job Summary
The Watershed Ecology Section (Patrick Center) of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University seeks a detail-oriented person to assist with project management and field coordination for several grant-funded projects currently underway including the Delaware River Watershed Initiative.
Essential Functions
- Project management
- Fieldwork
- Data entry and quality assurance/ quality control (QA/QC)
- Management of temporary field staff and interns (Drexel co-ops and others)
- Laboratory work
- Stream habitat assessment (U.S. EPA’s Wadeable Streams Assessment)
- Report preparation and editing
- Use of GIS for planning and outreach
- Administrative duties
- Educational outreach
Main duties include coordinating and performing field work 6 months of the year, ensuring data are entered following Quality Assurance/Quality Control, some laboratory work as needed, following ANS and Drexel lab protocol. Field work entails using algae and macroinvertebrate sampling techniques (kick net, Surber) and long days in the field as well as habitat assessment using the U.S. EPA’s Wadeable Streams Assessment. Additional duties include administrative tasks, educational outreach, and other duties as needed.
The hire will be trained to handle and process algae and benthic macroinvertebrate samples from major rivers including some sorting and identification of major aquatic insects and macroinvertebrates orders. The position will provide hands-on experience on aquatic invertebrates, including insects, and collection management. The employee will be part of a diverse group of scientists from the Patrick Center for Environmental Research and will have the opportunity to interact with scientists in other Sections.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology, or related field
- Interest in ecology, particularly aquatic ecology
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in project management and with project management software,
- Experience performing field work,
- Ability to work within a team,
- Excellent organizational and communication skills,
- Commitment to DEI in science,
- Experience with GIS for data visualization and field work planning, with ArcGIS, QGIS or similar programs
Physical Demands
- Typically sitting at a desk, table
- Typically standing, walking
- Lifting demands up to 50lbs
Location: Center City, Philadelphia, PA
Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt with a salary grade of I. For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure, https://drexel.edu/hr/career/ducomp/salstructure/
Special Instructions to the Applicant
All interested applicants should apply through Drexel Careers: https://careers.drexel.edu/en-us/job/498023/project-coordinator-technici...
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.