research specialist Williamsburg, VA
William & Mary
Full Time
Williamsburg, VA
39520 - 12.04 USD HOURLY Today
Job description
Position Information
Present Position Number
T0566V
Role Code Title
Laboratory & Research Spec I
Position Title
Laboratory and Research Specialist #1
Unit Mission Statement
The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of Natural Resources providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture.
Position Summary
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States. Located along the glistening beaches of Gloucester, Virginia, VIMS provides research, education, and advisory services to government, citizens, students, and industry in coastal oceans and estuary science. VIMS is transforming data into policies, students into leaders, and theories into tangible change for solutions to global problems and to restore marine life.
In addition to the core competencies and experience, the ideal candidate for the Laboratory & Research Specialist, will possess effective interpersonal, and communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a strong team member and working effectively with a diverse community.
Natural Resources invites qualified applicants to apply for their Temporary, Laboratory & Research Specialist position.
The Laboratory and Research Specialist core responsibilities will be related to the preparation and the execution of the NEAMAP biannual survey that is to be conducted by this program as well as to the laboratory processing of the field generated biological samples.
Responsibilities will include (but not limited to):
Natural Resources invites qualified applicants to apply for their Temporary, Laboratory & Research Specialist position.
The Laboratory and Research Specialist core responsibilities will be related to the preparation and the execution of the NEAMAP biannual survey that is to be conducted by this program as well as to the laboratory processing of the field generated biological samples.
Responsibilities will include (but not limited to):
- Inventories necessary supplies and equipment for research cruises. Transport, stowage and configuration of all survey materials to the chartered fishing vessel.
- Assists with implementation of all necessary catch processing procedures at sea, including proper use of all the catch processing equipment and troubleshooting of that equipment.
- Assists with the execution of all ancillary data collection protocols (net monitoring, tow tracks, site identification and atmospheric and hydrographic monitoring.
- Conducts laboratory processing of fisheries related samples, such as hard parts for ageing and fish stomachs for diet determination.
- Participates in the other MRG field surveys as needed.
Required Qualifications
EDUCATION:
Associates degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and or experience.
COMPETENCIES:
Associates degree in a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and or experience.
COMPETENCIES:
- Knowledge of laboratory procedures as related to age determination of fishes as well as to the processing of fish stomachs to support diet determination, with the ability to record length, weight, sex and maturity from fish at sea.
- Basic knowledge of the various protocols used by the trawl monitoring surveys, including catch processing, net monitoring, hydrographic and atmospheric data collection.
- Working knowledge of scientific principles and the scientific process, especially as they relate to fisheries-independent monitoring surveys.
- Familiarity with electronics and in particular automated catch data equipment including: Scantrol measuring boards, Marel motion-compensated balances, FEED software and rugged computer equipment.
- Working knowledge of personal computers and Microsoft Office Suite software, among others.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a collaborative team member.
- Ability to work on a commercial trawling vessel chartered for scientific research and stay on-board the vessel (overnight) for multiple weeks at a time. Ability to successfully perform duties, often under adverse conditions (heavy seas, high winds, precipitation), for multiple weeks at a time, with the ability to resist motion sickness or at the minimum “work-through” bouts of motion sickness.
- Ability to lift 60-75lb baskets of fishes repeatedly over a 16-18 hour work day on a moving vessel.
- Ability to pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise.
EXPERIENCE:
- Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications.
- Experience performing aquatic field sampling and data collection using standard fishery techniques in the field as well as the laboratory.
Preferred Qualifications
EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.
COMPETENCIES:
Working knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Southern New England and the Chesapeake Bay, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.
EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.
COMPETENCIES:
Working knowledge of the fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Bight, Southern New England and the Chesapeake Bay, particularly with respect to their identification and biology.
EXPERIENCE:
- Experience working with fishery-independent monitoring surveys (particularly trawl surveys).
- Laboratory experience related to fish age sample processing, reading and age assignment, as well as fish stomach processing for diet determination.
- Experience with electronics and in particular automated catch data equipment including: Scantrol measuring boards, Marel motion-compensated balances, FEED software and rugged computer equipment.
Advertised Pay Range
Up to $19.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
Department
1N1100 Natural Resources
Location
VIMS - Gloucester
Is the position remote work eligible?
Not eligible
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Job Open Date
06/09/2023
Review Begin Date
Job Close Date
06/30/2023
Open Until Filled
No
Employment Category
Hourly - Temporary
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Term
Other (Specify Below)
Special Application Instructions
Conditions of Employment
- This is a temporary (hourly paid), 40 hour week position, not to exceed six (6) months.
- All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed, on average, 29 hours per week, over the course of a twelve month period beginning May 1 each year.
- This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and University Policy. This position is subject to overtime during field work operations to include evenings, weekends and holidays as required. Typical work day at sea lasts 16 to 18 hours, beginning just before sunrise and extending after dusk.
- Ability to lift 60-75lb baskets of fishes repeatedly over a 16 to 18 hour work day on a moving vessel.
- Ability to pass the VIMS at-sea survival training exercise upon employment.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Benefits Summary Statement
N/A
About William & Mary
CEO: Katherine A. Rowe
Revenue: $100 to $500 million (USD)
Size: 1001 to 5000 Employees
Type: College / University
Website: www.wm.edu
Year Founded: 1693
