West Virginia University Division of Forestry and Natural Resources for a Temporary Coral Reef Field Technician to work onsite in the Florida Keys.
As a Temporary Coral Reef Field Technician, you will assist with a research project collecting socioeconomic data related to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and coral reef ecosystems. Data collection includes, but is not limited to, surveying visitors and users in outdoor recreational settings, assisting with operation of stakeholder workshops, and interacting with recreational outfitters and professionals, researchers, and the public. Responsibilities require professional judgement, communication, and resourcefulness. Duties and tasks have considerable impact on project and grant based outcomes, as well as project relations with agencies, researchers, and the public.
You will be essential to the completion of research grant efforts with WVU and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Partners include NOAA, other research Universities, and local recreational partners. The locations of work include the entire Florida Keys region, including the greater Miami-Dade area as well for travel purposes. You will conduct both face-to-face interviewers and remote data collection with National Marine Sanctuary visitors as they exit recreation sites. You will travel to a variety of sites within the Florida Keys and work in both indoor and outdoor settings.
PAY GRADE –10
Assignment Length: Approximately 8.5 months
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Shifts and work days vary.
- Conduct recreation use and activity surveys with visitors in and around National Marine Sanctuary settings in a positive, friendly and respectful manner.
- Check schedule on the Google Drive weekly/daily basis and planning out survey site drive times and location with GPS and region maps.
- Set up interviewing sites (i.e. sign placement, traffic cone placement, etc.) properly to ensure safety of self and visitors.
- Return weekly to download data and report number of events recorded on surveys to field supervisor.
- Fill out and keep track of surveys and daily counts in a neat, orderly fashion.
- Compile weekly reports for field supervisor about site use levels, recreation use and weather conditions at each assigned surveying site.
- Adhere to strict data collection policies and guidelines including proper dress, displaying of safety signage, etc.
- Conduct professional conversations and collect feedback from visitors, businesses, local citizens, and other stakeholders in both formal and informal meeting settings. This may include detailed note-taking, presentation ability, and or question formulation.
- Drive long distances over a variety of road surfaces during early morning and early evening hours.
Qualifications
Associates Degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Field data collection experience on state, federal or municipal lands is preferred, but not required.
Ability to communication clearly in written and verbal English language is required, Spanish language proficiency is not required but preferred.
Requirements
Valid driver's license
About WVU
At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.
From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley — the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.
Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation are the core values that unite Mountaineers, inspiring one another to work tirelessly and support others as they seek to reach new heights. After all, when you're a Mountaineer, impossible is just another mountain to climb.
Creating an inclusive, engaged, and dynamic learning environment is core to WVU’s academic mission. We welcome candidates who can contribute a range of ideas, approaches and experiences.
West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.
Job Posting: Jun 11, 2024
Posting Classification: Temporary
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Benefits Eligible: No
Schedule: Full-time