Research Project Coordinator

Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $44,600 - Midpoint: $55,800 (Salaried E6)

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

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

Job Summary: The Research Project Coordinator supports the overall development of research project(s). Assists with project design, management, and implementation. Promotes the project and serves as liaison between the project and contacts internal and external to the University. May supervise students, provide general office assistance, create promotional materials, and assist in the development of other potential projects.

Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) at The University of Alabama brings together researchers across disciplines to address the most pressing water challenges facing Alabama, the nation, and the world.

Within AWI, the CONSERVE Research Group conducts applied research and field implementation projects that support the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) mission to improve agricultural water management, watershed health, water-use efficiency, conservation practice evaluation, and environmental resilience. Through collaborative federal research initiatives, CONSERVE develops and evaluates innovative approaches for aquifer management, runoff reduction, erosion control, water-quality protection, native vegetation establishment, and watershed conservation.

This position provides essential operational and technical support necessary for the successful execution of USDA ARS-funded research, demonstration, conservation, and workforce development activities. Research activities include field monitoring, greenhouse and native plant production, environmental data collection, geospatial analysis, conservation practice implementation, and the development of decision-support tools to address agricultural water challenges in humid-region watersheds.

Continuation in this position is contingent upon the availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher and some experience coordinating projects.

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: Knowledge of agricultural water management, watershed processes, conservation practices, and environmental monitoring techniques. Knowledge of native plant propagation, seed collection, seed processing, greenhouse production, and vegetation establishment practices used to support conservation and watershed management objectives. Knowledge of research support activities including field logistics, equipment maintenance, data documentation, inventory management, and technical reporting. Familiarity with water-quality monitoring, erosion assessment, soil health evaluation, runoff management, and conservation practice implementation. Strong organizational and communication skills to support coordination among researchers, students, federal partners, agricultural producers, and landowners. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and environmental data management systems. Ability to collect, process, and manage environmental, hydrologic, agronomic, and ecological field data. Ability to operate field equipment, GPS units, trailers, utility vehicles, monitoring equipment, and hand tools in accordance with established safety protocols. Ability to work independently in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions while conducting research and conservation activities.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental science, biology, agriculture, forestry, wildlife sciences, plant sciences, environmental engineering, watershed management, or a related field. Experience conducting field research, environmental monitoring, and data collection activities. Experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and other data management or reporting software. Experience with greenhouse, nursery, agricultural, or conservation plant production operations. Experience with native plant propagation, seed collection, seed processing, and seed handling. Familiarity with GIS, GPS, ecological monitoring methods, watershed assessment, and environmental data collection protocols. Experience supporting conservation, restoration, erosion control, water quality, or watershed management projects. Experience with databases, digital inventory systems, seed bank management, or environmental data management platforms.

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.