STEM OPT Research Jobs

INTRODUCTION

The West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Water Research Specialist.

About the Opportunity

The Water Research Specialist will support the coordination and implementation of West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) programs in water resources research. Primary responsibilities of the incumbent include planning and conducting field sampling, managing and analyzing water quality data, and coordinating and executing outreach activities on state, federal, and privately funded grants. Field sampling activities support WVWRI projects in acid mine drainage (AMD) characterization and remediation and long-term water quality monitoring. Data management and analysis activities support multiple WVWRI projects in water quality monitoring and watershed restoration. Outreach responsibilities include projects in workforce development, public/private engagement on local and regional water issues, and assimilation and dissemination of project findings. The incumbent also engages in various aspects of all WVWRI programs as needed, encompassing more general project execution on diverse water research projects, reporting, and organizational outreach. Changing priorities is inherent to grant-funded work, and adaptability is critical to the success of WVWRI and the incumbent.

The incumbent brings both a technical and interpersonal mindset to their work to represent WVWRI and WVU and to work towards practical solutions and knowledge transfer. The incumbent provides essential support across multiple WVWRI projects. They stay up to date on regional water issues and seek out new research, outreach, or restoration projects to engage in, assisting in the preparation of related grant proposals. Collaboration with state and federal agencies, other researchers, and nonprofit groups is a key function of WVWRI’s work and the success of the incumbent. Under the direction of the Senior Water Research Scientist, the incumbent pursues opportunities for funding and program expansion.

The incumbent provides task-level guidance, training, and oversight to undergraduate and graduate student workers during field sampling, outreach activities, and other assigned project tasks. Additionally, they deliver program support services to internal and external clients, respond to inquiries, address routine project-related issues, and identify more complex matters requiring guidance from project leadership. Responsibilities involve exercising judgment, resourcefulness, and originality in handling diverse tasks, applying or adapting available guides and precedents as necessary.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
• Wellness programs

Field Work

• Conducts fieldwork in diverse weather conditions and challenging terrain, including remote locations, streams, and watersheds throughout West Virginia
• Collects water quality samples in accordance with established scientific protocols, including proper sample collection, preservation, labeling, handling, and documentation.
• Operates, calibrates, and maintains field monitoring equipment, including multiparameter water quality meters, flow meters, GPS units, and other specialized instruments.
• Conducts field measurements and observations, including water quality parameters, streamflow, site conditions, and other relevant environmental characteristics.
• Assists with the development and implementation of sampling plans for water-related research projects, including background research, identifying potential sampling locations, and preparing maps.
• Follows established quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures, including field blanks, duplicates, equipment checks, and proper chain-of-custody documentation.
• Assists with the preparation and revision of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as required by project needs and funding agencies.
• Assists with the installation, operation, maintenance, and retrieval of environmental monitoring equipment, including water level and temperature loggers and other field instrumentation.
• Coordinates field sampling logistics, including preparing sampling supplies, organizing equipment, coordinating sample delivery or shipment to analytical laboratories, and maintaining field records.
• Assists with managing and maintaining field and laboratory equipment and supplies in coordination with the Field Equipment Manager.

Outreach

• Assists with the planning, coordination, and implementation of technical outreach activities related to WVWRI research and restoration projects.
• Supports workforce development initiatives through the coordination of educational activities, training opportunities, workshops, and other outreach events.
• Assists with the development of technical and educational outreach materials, including fact sheets, online maps, website content, and other resources communicating project findings to support public and private stakeholder engagement.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with watershed organizations, community groups, educational institutions, government agencies, and other project partners.
• Coordinates with external partners and stakeholders to support project activities, including occasional evening meetings and weekend events.
• Provides technical assistance to watershed organizations and community partners related to water quality monitoring, sampling procedures, and data management, consistent with established WVWRI protocols.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with landowners to support project activities.
• Maintains organized records of outreach activities, stakeholder communications, meetings, and related project documentation.
• Participates in relevant training, conferences, and professional development activities to maintain and expand knowledge of regional water resource issues and outreach practices.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to communicate project activities, scientific findings, and water resource issues to technical and nontechnical audiences.

Office

• Coordinates field sampling logistics, including scheduling, site access, communication with project partners and landowners, and preparation of sampling materials.
• Provides task-level guidance and oversight to undergraduate and graduate student workers, coordinating assigned field and office activities.
• Collaborates with project teams to support research activities, maintain communication, and ensure tasks are completed in accordance with established project procedures.
• Processes, organizes, and maintains water quality datasets and databases, including data entry, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) checks, and routine data management activities.
• Conducts routine data analysis, prepares summary tables, and develops graphs and other visualizations to support project evaluation, reporting, and communication of results.
• Uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS, to develop maps, organize spatial data, and support field sampling, project reporting, and public outreach.
• Assists with the interpretation of water quality data to identify trends, potential pollution sources, and watershed conditions under the guidance of project scientists.
• Conducts literature searches and assists with preparing technical reports, project summaries, scientific manuscripts, presentations, and other research-related materials.
• Participates in project meetings, communicates progress and findings, and provides updates on assigned tasks to project management and technical teams.
• Assists with identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals, including supporting documentation and budget information.
• Maintains organized project records, including field documentation, analytical laboratory results, sample tracking logs, invoices, and related correspondence.
• Completes project-related administrative tasks in accordance with WVU policies and procedures, including travel documentation, reimbursements, and other assigned responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry, geology, environmental science, or a natural resources-related field or equivalent combination of education and applicable experience.
• 0-6 months of experience involving:
• Water quality research
• Experience with volunteer organizations
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• General knowledge of water quality and watershed issues, including common environmental concerns in West Virginia such as acid mine drainage, dissolved solids, and bacterial contamination.
• Knowledge of basic scientific principles, field sampling techniques, and laboratory procedures related to water quality monitoring.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, and maintain water quality monitoring equipment, including multiparameter meters, flow meters, GPS units, and related field instruments, with appropriate training.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in variable weather conditions and challenging terrain, including accessing remote sampling locations and operating four-wheel-drive vehicles as necessary.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn specialized data management and GIS software.
• Ability to organize, process, and summarize scientific datasets with attention to accuracy, consistency, and established QA/QC procedures.
• Ability to interpret basic scientific information, perform routine calculations, and develop tables, graphs, and other visualizations to communicate results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to both scientific and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to prepare clear written materials, including project summaries, technical correspondence, presentations, and educational outreach materials.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, maintain accurate records, and support multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while recognizing when guidance or additional technical expertise is needed.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with researchers, students, government agencies, community organizations, and other project partners.
• Ability to coordinate outreach activities, engage with diverse stakeholders, and represent WVWRI professionally in meetings, workshops, and public events.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply technical procedures, scientific literature, project requirements, and relevant agency guidelines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, adaptability, and initiative, including the ability to identify challenges and recommend practical improvements to established workflows.
• Willingness and ability to learn new scientific methods, technologies, and procedures as project needs evolve.
• Understanding of laboratory and field safety practices, including safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and sampling materials.

Behavioral Competencies

• Project Coordination – Effectively organizes assigned tasks, manages competing priorities, meets deadlines, and communicates progress or challenges to project leadership.
• Initiative and Professional Development – Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn, actively develops technical and professional skills, seeks feedback, and applies new knowledge to assigned responsibilities.
• Technical Aptitude – Demonstrates attention to detail, follows established scientific procedures, maintains accuracy in data collection and management, and recognizes the importance of quality assurance and quality control.
• Problem-Solving and Continuous Improvement – Identifies challenges, gathers relevant information, evaluates potential solutions, and recommends practical improvements to existing procedures and workflows. Demonstrates resourcefulness and seeks guidance when appropriate.
• Professionalism and Stakeholder Engagement – Builds positive working relationships with colleagues, project partners, community members, and external organizations. Demonstrates respect, reliability, responsiveness, and professionalism when representing WVWRI.
• Communication – Communicates clearly and effectively in writing and verbally, actively listens, asks questions when clarification is needed, and adapts communication to technical and nontechnical audiences. Provides timely updates and communicates concerns constructively.
• Teamwork and Organizational Support – Collaborates effectively across projects, contributes to shared goals, supports colleagues when needed, and demonstrates flexibility in responding to changing organizational and project priorities.
• Accountability and Adaptability – Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, follows through on commitments, manages time effectively, and responds constructively to changing priorities, feedback, and unexpected challenges. Exercises sound judgment and recognizes when additional guidance is needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Trainings/certificates associated with surface and/or groundwater sampling.
• Experience working with watershed organizations, community groups, educators, or other stakeholders on environmental research, education, or outreach activities.
• Experience with water quality data management, analysis, or visualization.

Requirements

Valid driver's license.

Supervisory/Lead Role

The position reports to the Senior Water Research Scientist. Normally receives limited instructions on routine work and general instructions on new assignments. General sharing of knowledge and team participation are expected in the role. Initiates program, project, or activity lead and work coordination. Manages and performs project tasks in accordance with contracts, task schedules, keeping within budget.

Physical Demands

Requires physical abilities to perform field activities, including manual dexterity and abilities to see, hear, walk, talk and feel. Routine activities are predominantly non-manual, although some manual work involved with field sampling or sample/equipment transport may be included. Activities require manual skills to sample and perform analyses and to instruct others on sampling techniques. Travels to remote locations in WV and surrounding states with occasional overnight stays. Evening and weekend work will be required on a routine basis due to the nature of working with grassroots organizations.

Work Environment

A mixture of office, field, and laboratory work. Sampling will occur outside, so outdoor weather conditions will be variable, and during rare times may be very hot or cold. Field work is generally within northern West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania. Moderate noise levels are experienced in the work environment. Work may be performed in labs and on computers. The incumbent will be working on and around analytical equipment. Some chemicals are used in analysis and can be toxic or caustic. Safety training and equipment will be provided and must be properly utilized. Responsible to know and comply with all safety procedures.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values — service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation — unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

Job Posting

: Nov 4, 2026
Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes

Schedule

: Full-time