Environmental Student Assistant

Job Description Summary:Salary: $18.08 - $27.12 per hourCollect water samples from District reservoirs specifically Cedar Creek, Richland Chambers, Lake Palestine and their associated watersheds. Applicants should reside in proximity of the TRWD Cedar Creek office near Trinidad, TX. As an Environmental Technician, you will assist with environmental data collection, and water sampling. You will also maintain equipment necessary for sampling.Job Description Essential Functions and Responsibilities:The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this position.Collect water samples from lakes, tributaries and intake structures for field and lab analysisDeliver samples to laboratory for analysisCalibration of water quality sondes and record keepingPrepare and manage equipment necessary for sampling and analysisPerform data analysis and updates using water quality dataInvestigate pollution concerns, collect samples, and document findingsTrack and document data from collection through final electronic storageRequires the ability to spot pollution problems and respond accordinglyGood oral and written communication skillsScan environmental documents for records managementPerform other duties as requiredRequired Experience:High School Diploma or GEDValid Texas driver’s licenseAbility to work outdoors for extended periods of time.Ability to lift 40 lbs.Proficiency in Microsoft Office with basic knowledge of Word and ExcelProficiency in water quality sampling and current SWQM procedures within one year of starting this positionDesired Experience:Experience hauling a boat trailerBoat operation experienceExperience with in-situ water quality analyzersWater laboratory techniques and proceduresExperience using water quality sondesRequired Education/Certification/License:Enrolled in an accredited 4-year college or university majoring in environmental science, biology, geography, engineering, or related field and working towards a degreeTwo (2) years of experience in a related job plus a High School Diploma/GED may substitute for being enrolled in a relevant college programDesired Education/Certification/License:NoneSuccess Factors/Job Competencies: Self-motivated - This position requires the ability to work independently and accomplish assigned tasks in a timely mannerCritical Thinking - This position requires the ability to identify erroneous or problematic values and readings in the field and be able to identify potential causes and solutionsProductivity - This position requires sampling events to be completed according to a schedule and assigned projects be completed in a timely mannerDetail-Oriented - Collection of accurate, reliable data is the goal of this position. There are specific guidelines for collection and storage of samples that need to be followed every time. There is a lot of numeric data collected, and attention to detail throughout data entry and analysis is critical for successful understanding of the data collectedMechanical Inclination - In this position, there are various types of equipment that are required to complete the required work. It requires attention to the care and use of the equipment and the ability to identify equipment malfunctions and resolve in the field if possibleCommunication - This position requires communication with internal District personnel and the general publicTeamwork -This position often requires teamwork to complete the required field work. It is important to be able to work and communicate with others to achieve common goals. The ability to receive constructive feedback and incorporate it into your daily routine is a desirable character trait.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; kneel; squat; bend; talk and hear. Employees must repeatedly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Requires ability to swim and walk on uneven terrain for extended periods.Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee typically conducts fieldwork that will expose the employee to weather conditions prevalent at the time and will occasionally reside within an office or cubicle. A sizable portion of fieldwork will require driving 150 miles a day.