Title: Wetland Field Site Specialist

Department Org: Environmental Sciences - 101250

Employee Classification: U1 - Unclassified PSA FT

Bargaining Unit: Bargaining Unit Exempt

Primary Location: Main Campus - Academic

Shift:  1

Posted Salary: $49,000.00/year

Float: N/A

Rotate: N/A

On Call: N/A

Travel: N/A

Weekend/Holiday: N/A

Job Description:

The Department of Environmental Sciences, at the University of Toledo, OH seeks a field site specialist who will lead field site setup and sensor maintenance for a large multi-institution project studying hydrological and redox controls on ecosystem-scale greenhouse gas fluxes within coastal terrestrial and aquatic interfaces (TAIs). The focus of this research is to advance our process-level understanding of soil – plant-atmosphere fluxes in coastal wetlands.

Coastal TAIs are complex systems characterized by a high degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in biogeochemical cycling, carbon storage and greenhouse gas fluxes. Continuous measurements as eddy covariance measurements are valuable tools to better quantify flux rates, determine control factors and serve as benchmark for biogeochemical models. The candidate will be responsible for the installation of new flux tower sites as well as maintaining data collection at existing ones.

This position is part of the DOE funded project – Coastal Observation, Mechanism, and Predictions Across Systems and Scales - Field Measurements and Experiments (COMPASS-FME). This large project is led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in collaboration with multiple partners, including the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and Argonne National Lab. The COMPASS - FME project aims to understand the coupled interactions of plants, microbes, soils/sediments, and hydrology within coastal systems to inform multi- scale, integrated models from reaction scales to the coastal interface. The project’s research emphasis is primarily on terrestrial and wetland processes that are influenced by coastal waters, such as the fluxes and transformations of carbon, nutrients, and redox elements through these systems. This project includes several national labs, and research institutions in the W. Basin of Lake Erie and Chesapeake Bay, affording the successful candidate the opportunity for exciting and diverse collaborations. There will be opportunities for close collaboration with project partners and scientists at PNNL, LNLL, Ohio State University and The University of Toledo.

This role will be based at U. Toledo and will provide leadership on setting up and maintaining biometeorological sensor equipment to measure ecosystem-scale fluxes of energy, carbon dioxide and methane together with soil, plant and climate parameters at the COMPASS Lake Erie research sites. In addition, the candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in measurement campaigns in a brackish tidal wetland at the Plum Island Ecosystems LTER site in Massachusetts. This site hosts the same vegetation as the freshwater Lake Erie sites but is influenced by seasonal salt water intrusion. The candidate will also check, maintain, and archive data following Ameriflux (and similar) protocols, and work with the COMPASS research team to assist with data review and archiving.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/experience/licensing:
• A Master’s degree in environmental or marine sciences, biometeorology, engineering, or related discipline or a Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated knowledge in sensor based work (e.g. NEON or Ameriflux)
• Willingness and ability to engage in intensive field research activities in wetlands
• Previous work with Pacific Northwest National Lab or another National Lab or DOE funded project is advantageous
• Experience with data management and quality control preferred
• Experience with automated and solar system operated sensors, data loggers, including:
o Campbell Scientific data loggers
o eddy covariance sensors
o standard meteorological measurements (radiation, temperature/humidity, precipitation)
o soil redox measurements
• Experience with additional analytical instruments used in gas analysis (e.g. gas chromatography or laser based) is advantageous
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Experience using MATLAB or R preferred
• Commitment to a safe and inclusive working environment required

Preferred Qualifications:

Communication and other skills:

• Effective communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability and desire to collaborate with a large multi-institutional collaborative team
• Ability to work without close supervision and to make decisions concerning weather conditions and other logistical factors
• Ability to work closely with students, faculty and other staff to maintain research efficiency of the project.

Conditions of Employment:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation. 

The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, dual-career professionals and covered veterans.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact the Human Resources Department at 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30AM and 5:00PM or apply online for an accommodation request. 

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the Main Campus of the University of Toledo.