Field Environmental Scientist/Vessel Operator

Job Summary:

Field Environmental Scientist / vessel operator needed to work in Belle Chasse, LA. This role will perform a variety of scientific work and operate various watercraft types (airboats) for the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) and System-Wide Assessment and Monitoring Program (SWAMP water quality) programs. Wetland restoration efforts conducted in Louisiana require monitoring the effectiveness of individual projects as well as monitoring the cumulative effects of all projects in restoring, creating, enhancing, and protecting the coastal landscape. CRMS is a multiple reference approach that uses aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling. This approach includes a suite of sites that encompass the range of ecological conditions for each stratum, with projects placed on a continuum of conditions found for that stratum.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:

• Support and work alongside senior & entry level scientists performing ecological field sampling in the southern Louisiana wetlands (primarily swamps and brackish marsh types) for the Coast-wide Reference Monitoring Program.
• Operating watercraft, primarily airboats, in coastal Louisiana waterways, leading crews
• Airboat operating experienced preferred, training available
• Shop maintenance of vessels, trailers, trucks and instrumentation. Oil changes etc. Light construction O&M
• Travel paid -- 2-3 nights every month and a half. (Venice La)
• Collection and interpretation/evaluation of scientific data.
• Scientific Data Entry and Field Data collection pertaining to the Coast-wide Reference Monitoring (CRMS) & System-Wide Assessment and Monitoring Program (SWAMP water quality) Programs.
• Communication of technical concepts, evaluation results, plans, reports, etc. via oral presentations; and ensures conformance to applicable technical standards as well as company policies and procedures.

• Field Work / Shop Maintenance (65% of time) - Collection and interpretation/evaluation of scientific wetland data. Airboat operating experienced preferred, training available. Shop maintenance of vessels, trailers, trucks and instrumentation. Oil changes etc. Light construction O&M. Operation of data collection equipment (Hydrographic, Soil Accretion, and Vegetation). Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive a 4x4 vehicle. Must be able to work in extreme physical conditions (heat and cold) and be able to operate boats to remote intercoastal waterway locations (often open water bays) where emergency services are not available within an hour of travel. Operation of boats and towing vehicles is necessary and will be a mandatory skill (once approved). Must be able to lift 30-50 pounds individually and possibly heavier items as part of a team. Must comply to HSE guidelines.

 

• Office Work (35% of time) - Work in a cooperative small group setting with various employees at various levels, also operating under HSE guidelines. A typical office day could include processing and reviewing scientific data using a computer at a desk, preparing for subsequent field days, serving as base of operations for field crews, and ordering supplies.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or related Science degree.

• Trailering and operating watercraft experience. airboat operating experience preferred. Shop maintenance of vessels, trailers, trucks and instrumentation. Oil changes etc. Light construction O&M
• Ability for overnight travel, on average 2 nights every month and a half.

• Must have good oral and written communications skills.
• Will perform work in adverse weather conditions on the field (work in hot/cold environments, inclement weather).
• Develops competence in own area by performing routine work.
• Communicates information, asks questions and checks for understanding.
• Builds team effectiveness skills within own work team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Trailering and operating Airboat experience is a plus, training available

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $22.00-$24.00 per hour. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geo