Research Specialist, Advanced - Water Quality Project Coordinator
Williamsburg
Saturday, 09 May 2026
The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (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. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality. Unit Mission Statement. The mission of Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia (CBNERR-VA or Reserve) is to exhibit leadership in coastal zone management through innovative estuarine and coastal watershed science and education programs that promote natural-resource stewardship and science-based solutions to complex socioecological challenges. Position Summary. This role provides technical support for CBNERR-VA administered by William & Mary's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), serving as a senior-level Laboratory & Research Specialist in its Water Program. The Laboratory & Research Specialist II assumes lead responsible for the day-to-day operations associated with the Reserve’s state-of-the-art surface water quality mapping program (Data. Flow), as such, provides calibration and maintenance of lab and in-situ vessel mounted water quality instrumentation; collection of supporting information including the processing, and analysis of verification grab samples; and conducts initial data visualization and quality control processing. This position also serves as a senior support position for Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI for water quality and ecosystem-based research and/or monitoring programs, as such, provides calibration, maintenance and deployment/retrieval support of water quality, hydrologic-oceanographic and other instrumentation; collects, processes and analyzes multi-media samples; manages data sets including assurance of data quality; supports data analysis; and contributes to the development and dissemination of technically-oriented information products. Job Description:Required Qualifications:EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental science, biological science, chemical science, resource management, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and or experience. Valid driver’s licenseCPR/ First Aid certification (or achieved with 90 days of employment). Certificate of successful completion of a Coast Guard endorsed boating safety and/or VIMS trailerable Vessels Operator certification (or achieved within 90 days of employment). COMPETENCIES:Knowledge of estuarine and coastal science with emphasis on water quality issues and environmental monitoring. Working knowledge of water monitoring and the ability to use hand held and deployable multi-parameter water quality data sondes, manual and automated water sampling devices, GPS, weather monitoring equipment, and power tools. Strong working knowledge of sampling and collections, with the demonstrated ability to perform aquatic research procedures including laboratory techniques/studies and field sampling. Effective problem solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot failing instrumentation and equipment as well as modifying instrumentation for specific needs. Proficiency with a variety of software applications, to include MS Office, with the ability to update and maintain a database, and support development of reports. Proficient data entry skills with the ability to maintain records following CBNERR-VA’s and sponsoring agency QA protocols; Effective interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with the ability to work as a collaborative team player and with a diverse campus community;. Ability to comfortably work in and around the water and swimming in shallow areas. Ability to work in outdoor settings, in the water, in adverse weather conditions, and on small vessels. Ability to comfortably work in and around the water and swimming in shallow areas. Ability to engage in strenuous work, tolerate inclement weather conditions and resist motion sickness, while successfully performing assigned. EXPERIENCE:Technical experience with a variety of instrumentation including multiparameter water quality data sondes, water sampling devices, GPS, weather monitoring equipment, and power tools. Demonstrated experience in a laboratory and field setting. Familiarity with VA waters, boat handling and trailering. Preferred Qualifications:EDUCATION/ CERTIFICATION:Bachelor’s degree in environmental or marine science, or closely related field is desirable; CPR/ First Aid certification (or achieved within 90 days of employment). United States Coast Guard Captain’s License and/or VIMS Trailerable Vessels Operators Certification. COMPETENCIES:Demonstrated knowledge with a variety of lab and field instrumentation used in water quality monitoring and studies, to include scales & balances, photospectrometer, fluorometer; drying & furnace ovens. Demonstrated mechanical skills with the ability to calibrate and troubleshoot instrumentation. Knowledge of hand held instruments (Licor, YSI WQ, hydrologic). Strong data management skills with the ability to develop and follow standard operating procedures and quality assurance/quality control protocols. Strong analytical and technical writing skills, with the ability to analyze and interpret environmental data. EXPERIENCE:Demonstrated experience in instrument data downloads and computerized data entry. Experience working on and operating vessels, comfortable working in and around the water (occasionally under adverse conditions), and familiarity with local waters; Multi-year experience using, calibrating and troubleshooting YSI Multi parameter instrumentation and other supporting water quality instrumentation. Multi-year experience in environmental monitoring and field-oriented programs and/or studies. ?Salary-up to $60.000.00 commensurate with experience. Review Date-5-25-26