Location: Mobile, Alabama
About the Role
The Water Quality Investigator will be part of Mobile Baykeeper’s Field & Research Team and work directly under the Staff Scientist. The Field and Research Team uses water quality and habitat restoration science to guide our organization in defending and reviving the coastal waters of Alabama. We develop measurable connections between water quality changes and key bay health indicators (oysters, submerged aquatic vegetation, fish consumption safety and swim safety). By monitoring these indicators and pollution or other anthropogenic activities that degrade them, we create baselines to track improvements from intervention efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and lead a team to regularly monitor water quality conditions, extent of key species recovery, and pollutants of concern. 50%
- Create, implement, and continuously improve monitoring plans to accomplish both Field & Research and project initiatives. 20%
- Effectively operate, maintain, and fix field equipment so that it is working when needed most. 10%
- Systematically search out and document select pollution problems using boat, kayak, drone, on foot, and through available data sources in the waters of coastal Alabama. 10%
- Collaborate with the Community Engagement Team to combat issues by reviewing permits and public notices and subsequently interacting with the public, attending meetings, and disseminating information to the Communications Team for Action Alerts as needed. Draft technical comment letters to support in addressing these issues as needed. 10%
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Exhibit Baykeeper’s values of excellence, accuracy, responsibility, tenacity, and humility
- BS or MS in environmental and aquatic studies or equivalent years of experience working in the environmental and resource management sector
- Experience in leading a team to execute water quality sampling
- Exhibit knowledge of Clean Water Act, habitat and resource management, and estuarine systems
- Experience in designing and managing water quality monitoring projects
- Expertise in pollutant and anthropogenic impacts on water quality and ecosystems
- Skilled in the operation of a motorized vessel in coastal waterways
- Experience managing and maintaining field equipment
Desired Skills
- Adept at independently solving problems using creativity and innovation
- Proficient in data management coding, statistical analysis, and geospatial mapping
- Drone licensed
- Exhibits the ability to switch between a variety of tasks quickly and smoothly
- Exhibits a desire to spend time in the wilderness
- Willingness to challenge the status quo, hold polluters accountable, and unabashedly defend and revive the coastal waters of Alabama
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- 5% retirement match.
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Generous paid time-off and opportunities for professional development.
Join Us
Play a pivotal role in Mobile Baykeeper’s mission to defend and restore the health of Coastal Alabama’s waterways. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to info@mobilebaykeeper.org or fill out the form below.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
