Blue Thumb Field Education Coordinator

Basic Purpose

This is an advanced-level field position, working largely independently, to lead seasonal biological collections and guide citizen scientist volunteers as they learn and continue to monitor streams.  This position provides support for critical Blue Thumb program functions including program promotion, organization/entry of field data and coordination of volunteers. The position involves fieldwork performed throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. This position determines much of their own scheduling in order to meet with their volunteers and the public. Overnight travel is frequently required, and the workweek often consists of irregular hours, including weekends and evenings. Job activities often involve physical exertion with some heavy lifting. Since many activities occur in or around water, candidates must be able to swim. Although Blue Thumb staff typically focus work responsibilities on a regional basis, a significant amount of responsibilities will still be statewide. Position is supervised by the Blue Thumb Director.

Typical Functions

• Coordinate with other Blue Thumb team members;
• Coordinate with Blue Thumb Quality Assurance Officer in the selection of volunteer monitoring sites;
• Follow guidance provided by the Blue Thumb Quality Assurance Officer to address data quality issues;
• Educate the public about stream ecology;
• Assist with volunteer training;
• Effectively use and maintain field kits;
• Conduct necessary water quality, in-stream habitat and biological collections, in coordination with volunteers;
• Schedule and oversee benthic macroinvertebrate sub-sampling events with volunteers;
• Conduct Quality Assurance sessions and safety training for volunteers;
• Assist volunteers with interpretation of data and evaluation of site conditions;
• Order supplies;
• Enter program data and maintain chain of custody for biological samples;
• Update social media;
• Effectively document program activities (video and photo);
• Promote program to potential sponsors (particularly conservation districts) and increase media attention on program activities and water pollution prevention;
• Represent Blue Thumb at various meetings to promote water quality education and volunteer recruitment;
• Oversee an effort to support Blue Thumb activities such as the Project Wet Program or act as the BT Quality Assurance Officer; and
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

The position involves fieldwork performed throughout the year regardless of weather conditions. This position determines much of their own scheduling in order to meet with their volunteers and the public. Overnight travel is frequently required, and the workweek often consists of irregular hours, including weekends and evenings. Job activities often involve physical exertion with some heavy lifting. Since many activities occur in or around water, candidates must be able to swim. Although Blue Thumb staff typically focus work responsibilities on a regional basis, a significant amount of responsibilities will still be statewide. Position is supervised by the Blue Thumb Director.

Education and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in biology, geology, environmental science, or a related science and two years of pertinent experience (stream assessment and volunteer training/coordination) are required.  A master’s degree in a similar field may be substituted for two years of experience; a PhD may be substituted for four years of experience. OCC requires the successful applicant to be a legal resident of the United States and hold or obtain a current driver's license for the state of Oklahoma.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies required for this position include knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, stream ecology, pollutants, watersheds, and both urban and rural nonpoint source pollution issues. A successful candidate will have advanced knowledge of the causes, impacts and prevention of nonpoint source pollution.  Staff at this level are responsible for largely setting their own schedules in order to coordinate with their groups of volunteers who may be unable to meet during the traditional work week.  Staff must also coordinate around weather conditions and sampling limitations when developing schedules.  Since this position works closely with the public, the ideal candidate will be outgoing with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Applicants must be comfortable working independently, with limited supervision. Individuals should be detail-oriented and possess strong organizational skills. This position requires proficiency with computers and contemporary software packages (particularly MS Windows and Office) and common social media platforms.

Special Requirements

Aspects of this position are physically strenuous and require working in challenging weather conditions. The successful applicant must be able to swim and lift and carry field equipment.

APPLY AT:
https://okgov.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/okgovjobs/details/Blue-Thumb-Field-Education-Coordinator_JR32696-1?hiringCompany=7a8d2de4e0861000cc592ab20e1b0000