Research Coordinator II - Water Quality Projects

About the role

The Research Coordinator II supports the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve (BBAP) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in improving water quality in Biscayne Bay. The role covers water quality projects, coordination of multi-agency monitoring, and scientific and field assistance, with a stated expected salary of $52,530.

Key responsibilities

• Track, implement and participate in ongoing water quality projects, including those addressing land-based pollution and water management, and maintain project progress trackers.
• Research new technologies and projects, create a list of priority projects at different price ranges, and work with the BBAP Manager, DEP and external agencies on feasibility and implementation.
• Coordinate meetings and workshops on water quality, and help maintain DEP's water quality monitoring equipment (sondes) in BBAP.
• Train state and non-government staff in water quality monitoring, including sonde cleaning, calibration, maintenance, deployment preparation and data management.
• Complete data management for sonde stations in collaboration with the Water Quality Specialist, keeping discrete data updated in WIN and meeting or exceeding MDQS standards.
• Facilitate coordination among agencies collecting water quality data, run a working group, produce analysis of BBAP data, draft project scopes of work, seek grant funding and coordinate action plans.
• Reach out to potential data providers about entering data in WIN and communicate water quality achievements with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program.
• Assist BBAP staff in the field, office and lab with monitoring and restoration projects, which may include small vessel operation, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, resource restoration, coastal species monitoring and benthic sampling.
• Track allocated funds, assist with procurement, prepare reports, maintain office records and support CPR and BBAP teams on scopes of work, budgets and fund administration.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred: at least one year of verifiable related experience, and a Master of Science degree in marine, environmental or biological sciences.
• Valid Florida driver's license.

Required skills

• Knowledge of water quality monitoring methods, including data sondes, and of submerged aquatic vegetation such as seagrasses.
• Experience in field work and/or education in a scientific setting.
• Skills in planning, organizing and facilitating large multi-stakeholder workshops, and in reviewing technical research proposals and creating management summaries.
• Project management, including budget and purchasing experience.
• Open water SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization; AAUS certification preferred, as it enables SCUBA diving in the position.

To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter, resume and list of professional references by the deadline given in the posting. A health assessment is not required.