Title:  Env Scientist VI - Project Leader, Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring Program - Limited Service

Overview

Vermont DEC is hiring a limnologist and aquatic ecologist to serve as the project leader for the Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring Program and the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program in Lake Champlain and Inland Vermont Lakes. 

 

The Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring Program, which is supported by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, is one of the premiere lake monitoring programs in the United States, collecting a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological parameters from 15 sites within Lake Champlain in addition to 21 monitored tributaries. These data are integral to the management of Lake Champlain. The Project Leader coordinates with the Lake Champlain Basin Program to develop project budgets, update to the monitoring protocols, assess monitoring priorities, perform data quality assurance, analyze project data to identify potential areas of concern, coordinate with stakeholders in the basin, supervise project staff, write annual reports to the Basin Program, contribute to research activities relevant to the management of Lake Champlain, and contribute to project field sampling. 

 

The Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program is a nationally recognized program which combines volunteer observations with laboratory measurements to assess the prevalence and toxicity of cyanobacteria blooms in Lake Champlain and Vermont. The Project Leader coordinates the cyanobacteria monitoring project together with key project partners (the VT. Dept. of Health, the Lake Champlain Committee, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program), and with local research efforts relevant to Lake Champlain to provide technical assistance and expertise. The Project Leader is also responsible to perform microscopic analyses; conduct and train temporary employees in phytoplankton taxonomy; serve as the State's point person for questions relating to cyanobacteria ecology; communicate with the public, other State programs, and media outlets; develop project budgets; and produce annual reports. 

 

The ideal candidate will have extensive technical expertise in: limnology, including lake physical, chemical, and biological processes; phytoplankton taxonomy and microscope counting methods; designing water quality monitoring strategies and analyzing environmental monitoring data, including publication in relevant peer-reviewed journals; data analysis, data quality control, data management, including proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python; and outreach and public communication.

Who May Apply

This position, Env Scientist VI - Project Leader, Lake Champlain Long-Term Monitoring Program - Limited Service (Job Requisition #54814), is open to all State employees and external applicants.  It is a Limited Service position, which is non-tenured and authorized for a specific period of time. Limited Service positions are established for specially funded projects or programs. 

If you would like more information about this position, please contact Peter.Isles@vermont.gov.

Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.

Environmental Factors

Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours, including attendance at public meetings, may be required. Strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND three (3) years of experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

Master's degree in biological-life or physical science AND four (4) years or more of experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, ecology, soils science, or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, soils science, geology or hydrogeology AND five (5) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, ecology, soils science, geology or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

Bachelor's degree in any biological-life or physical science AND six (6) years or more of professional experience in environmental biology, microbiology or chemistry, ecology, soils science, or hydrogeology.

 

OR

 

One year experience as an Environmental Scientist V or two years as an Environmental Scientist IV

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.