Agricultural Management, Agricultural Science, Communication Skills, Conservation, Consulting, Cross-Functional, Ecology, Environmental Impact, Environmental Regulations, Environmental Sciences, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Higher Education, Hydrology, Maintain Compliance, Natural Resources, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Product Planning, Program Planning, Project Planning, Project/Program Coordination, Proposal Development, Public Administration, Scientific Publications, Spatial Data, Stormwater Management, Technical Analysis, Technical Leadership, Technical Presentation, Technical Writing, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Water Resource Management, Writing Skills
This is a one-year limited-term position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.
The individual selected for this position will serve as the lead author and technical coordinator for watershed planning projects focused on agricultural water management, watershed protection, drought resilience, and natural resource conservation. The position supports watershed planning efforts conducted in collaboration with USDA-NRCS, state conservation agencies, local watershed sponsors, and multidisciplinary technical teams. The successful candidate will lead the development of watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and related planning documents. This position requires exceptional technical writing skills and the ability to synthesize information from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and agency partners into comprehensive planning products.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as lead author for watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and planning documents.
- Coordinate technical input from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and other subject matter experts.
- Develop and evaluate watershed management alternatives and implementation strategies.
- Integrate technical analyses into cohesive planning documents.
- Coordinate technical reviews and revisions.
- Prepare responses to agency comments and review findings.
- Ensure compliance with USDA-NRCS planning requirements and applicable environmental regulations.
- Prepare presentations, reports, and supporting materials for agency and stakeholder review.
- Communicate technical information to diverse audiences including agencies, conservation organizations, producers, and the public.
- Support development of proposals, scopes of work, and project reports.
Qualifications:
Research Assistant:
Level I:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
Level II:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Level III:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Research Associate:
Level I:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
Level II:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 2 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
Level III:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field and 4 years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.
Desired Qualifications:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
- Experience with watershed planning, agricultural water management, natural resource planning, or environmental consulting.
- Experience preparing environmental assessments, watershed plans, or similar planning documents.
- Familiarity with USDA-NRCS programs and planning procedures.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams.
- Knowledge of hydrology, ecology, conservation planning, or environmental policy.
- Experience with GIS products and spatial data interpretation.
- Experience presenting technical information to stakeholders and agency personnel.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated technical writing experience, including preparation of technical reports, planning documents, environmental assessments, scientific publications, or similar products.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
- Ability to synthesize complex technical information from multiple disciplines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States by the employment date and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.
Why Work at Auburn:
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement:
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.A
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