Pay Grade/Pay Range:  Minimum: $18.32 - Midpoint: $21.97 (Hourly N4)

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Note to Applicants: Position is eligible for remote work subject to University policy. 

Job Summary: The Research Assistant III assists with research work tasks of higher-complexity in support of a research project under minimal supervision. May assist with ordering equipment and supplies, set up of equipment, performing experiments, monitoring results, data collection, preparation of support materials, etc. May supervise students and/or other support workers assigned to the research project.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute’s (AWI) CONSERVE Research Group is one of The University of Alabama’s five research institutes with a specific focus on water. The CONSERVE Research Group provides a forum for interdisciplinary research and education; bringing together university researchers, students and staff to promote collaboration; and a broad interdisciplinary focus on water issues that face our world today. CONSERVE-affiliated researchers specialize in ecosystem restoration, remote sensing, hydrological modeling, watershed management and human health.

Rivercane is considered a cultural keystone species, meaning its existence significantly contributes to the cultural identity of a people (e.g., Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Jena Band of Choctaw, Poarch Creek, Eastern Band of Cherokee). CONSERVE works directly with Tribal communities to protect and enhance ecosystem restoration efforts and promote the use of native rivercane for riparian restoration at a landscape level. CONSERVE is developing giant rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea) seed stock with accompanying genetic information to assist Tribes and other stakeholders implement rivercane restoration projects. By implementing a much-needed program to develop a source of rivercane, this project will increase Tribal capacity to manage and access a resource that is a part of many southeastern indigenous communities’ culture, heritage, and lifeways. Increasing sources of rivercane also helps agencies and other conservation partners access an ecologically significant resource for riparian restoration efforts and contribute to a wider, regional strategy to restore a culturally and ecologically important species spanning the entire Southeastern United States. We have partnered directly with tribal governments to host staff at tribal offices to support this project. Our project will be implemented in at least 12 states in the SE region (NC, SC, MS, LA, OK, AR, KY, VA, TN, AL, WV, GA) and support at least five tribal governments. The greenhouses are centrally located in Tuscaloosa, AL with demonstration field sites across the entire southeastern region including tribal lands. Three of the full time field technicians will be stationed within the tribal offices of the Jena Band of Choctaw in LA, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee in OK, and the Poarch Creek in AL.

This position assists with fieldwork for biological sampling of rivercane population genetics. Uses Geographic Information Science (GIS) to assist with creating maps of rivercane population inventory and characteristics. Takes detailed field notes and ecological data for the inventoried areas under the direction of the project leader. Rivercane stand germoplasm development will also be part of the duties to support partner germoplasm and herbarium development.

This position supports field activities and manage data collection with our grant partners at study locations in Jena, Louisiana. Continuation will depend on availability of funding.

Required Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of research support experience; OR associate's degree and two (2) years of research support experience; OR bachelor's degree or higher and some research support experience.

Additional Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Must have valid U.S. driver's license. Must be at least 19 years of age at time of hire and have an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report that is in compliance with University policies. Applicants under the age of 21 will have some driving restrictions.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong leadership, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. Positive attitude. Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent computer skills, not limited to spreadsheet applications, personal computing networks, and internet software. Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary groups under high levels of activity. Detail oriented and manage details to meet deadlines. Ability to anticipate and plan proactively for known deadlines and annual reporting cycles.

Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree, master's or doctorate in a science related field or other discipline connected to water or environment. Three (3) years of experience conducting environmental, science-based field research and coordinating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data collection, or other relevant transferable work experience in field research. Experience working on complex field projects, with broad groups, and across disciplines. Geographic Information Systems skills with experience using ESRI Arc GIS. Interest in applied science and water-related scholarship that impacts communities. Ability and interest to apply Traditional Ecological knowledge.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

About University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

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