Research Technician 3 (Hydrology, Soil, & Water Quality)

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Job Title:
Research Technician 3 (Hydrology, Soil, & Water Quality)

Department:
FAES | Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering

A Research Technician 3 position is available immediately in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University (OSU). This position is critical to CFAES's research and Extension mission. The technician will assist with tasks critical to carrying out research and education for funded projects, the Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program, the International Drainage Hall of Fame, and the International Program on Water Management in Agriculture. The critical tasks include:
FIELD/LAB WORK SUPPORT: Assisting with collecting soil and water samples and maintaining monitoring equipment at fields sites near campus and other research locations in Ohio. Helping analyze soil and water samples in laboratories using analytical techniques and instruments.
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: Helping organize outreach events and meetings such as the Overholt Drainage School - with tasks such as registration, catering management, communications, designing promotional material, event surveys and evaluations.
RESEARCH SUPPORT: Assist in research-related tasks such as data collection, software-based analysis and modeling, data processing, report writing.

The position will contribute to our recently funded projects through NCR-SARE and NIFA-AFRI. The work aligns with the CFAES mission to sustain life by protecting waters and ensuring sustainable food production in the region.

We seek to hire a motivated individual to support field, laboratory, and data synthesis research focused on hydrology and water quality in Ohio's agricultural and urban landscapes. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and work well independently, enjoy year-round fieldwork, and be capable of troubleshooting and fixing mechanical and electrical problems. The candidate will be responsible for managing long-term field research sites, which includes installing and maintaining hydrology/water quality monitoring instrumentation and equipment. This individual will work hand-in-hand with experienced research engineers and scientists within the team; and train and coordinate with other team members such as graduate and undergraduate students. Learning and professional development opportunities are available through OSU's Employee Assistance Program, Staff Benefits and relevant conferences and training events.

The position will be located on the Columbus campus. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, Assistant Professor in Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The position will work within a large "water-focused" team of senior faculty, staff, and graduate/undergraduate students within FABE.

Essential Functions:

• Design and develop hydrology and water quality monitoring instrumentation solutions appropriate for specific field sites and project goals.
• Provide coordination, training, and leadership to a team of undergraduate and graduate students involved in different field and laboratory research projects.
• Visit field sites and collect weekly or bi-weekly water samples, trouble-shooting and fixing issues associated with monitoring equipment.
• Collaborate with Ohio State staff in purchasing and procurement to obtain quotations/bids and secure purchases.
• Help with the assembly and installation of field instrumentation for both short- and long-term observational studies.
• Ensure existing health and safety protocols and assist in developing new standard operating procedures for ensuring data quality, availability, and security.
• Carry out routine maintenance and calibration of climate and aquatic sensors according to standard operating procedures, periodic re-calibration of rating curves at surface water locations, and collect and prepare snow and water samples for biogeochemical analyses. Anticipate and provides solutions to non-routine issues.
• Provide logistical support to organize outreach and Extension events and stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in science or engineering
• 2 years of experience working on private or cooperative farms, on-farm agricultural research, water/wastewater-related monitoring programs through agencies or private industry, or any related fields that involve installation, use, and maintenance of soil/water monitoring equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree or specialization in Hydrology, Agricultural, Civil, or Environmental Engineering, Agricultural or Environmental Sciences, or other related field
• Technical experience working with hydrology/water quality field research - either climate monitoring and environmental data acquisition (e.g., use of Campbell Scientific data loggers) or hydrology and aquatic sensors (e.g., use of ISCO samplers, Flow measurement devices, YSI sondes).
• Practical knowledge of Ohio agriculture and agricultural practices.
• Familiarity with metadata standards and hydrologic data repositories.
• Experience in fieldwork and environmental measurements.
• Strong motivation and independence with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Required skills:

• Experience operating power tools and construction equipment.
• Basic knowledge of electrical systems and how to use a multi-meter.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel to remote field sites and work in inclement weather (rain, snow, etc.).

Preferred skills:

• Ability to use ArcGIS, MATLAB, Python, R, MS Excel, or other software for data processing.
• Ability to create maps using ArcGIS or other GIS software.
• Operating agricultural and construction equipment.
• Knowledge of load securement and comfort with driving large truck and trailer with equipment (no CDL needed)
• Prior experience with health and safety training and ability to train others

Additional Information:

Salary and Benefits:

$17.10 - $22.50 per hour, The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications. The Ohio State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family.

Required Application Materials:

1. A detailed resume (or CV) highlighting education and work experience, 2) Cover letter summarizing interest and qualifications for the position, and 3) Names and contact information for a minimum of two and maximum of three references.

How to apply: Electronically submit the application materials via the OSU careers site: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.

Contact information: Position-specific questions should be directed to Dr. Vinayak Shedekar (shedekar.1@osu.edu).

The salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limit to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.

Location:
Agricultural Engineering Building (0298)

Position Type:
Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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