Description

Job Description

This position will assist the Furst Lab at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab (OWML) in GIS modeling, laboratory, field work related to a research project on water contamination from septic systems. A successful candidate will have prior experience modeling soil topographic information and pluvial flooding conditions in GIS, collecting PFAS samples, and performing water quality analyses. Primary duties include: Leading field work to collect PFAS water and sediment samples from septic-impacted streams in Fairfax County; performing water quality analyses in the field and laboratory, including nutrients, TSS, total organic matter and fluorescence spectroscopy; assisting with PFAS and PPCP sample preparation, extraction and LC-MS/MS data processing; GIS modeling and statistical analyses to relate geographic and water quality variables; perform data processing and analysis in Insight, Excel and Python; prepare reports with results and QA-QC criteria; analyze data, create figures, and develop statistical analyses for publications; assist in manuscript writing; attend and present at project team meetings and research group meetings. This is an off-campus position at the Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Lab, located in Manassas, Virginia.

Required Qualifications

Demonstrated experience with ArcGIS Pro, including previous modeling of soil topographic information and pluvial flooding conditions in GIS.

• Prior experience leading environmental field work.

• Experience in the collection of PFAS water and sediment samples following proper protocol without introduction of contamination.

• Knowledge of stream water quality and analysis of basic water quality parameters.

• Experience using Hach methods and instrumentation for nutrient analysis.

• Experience with Aqualog fluorescence spectrophotometer.

• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and writing skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and beginners knowledge of Python.

• Must have a vehicle and ability to travel and hike uneven terrain and carry up to 20 pounds as needed.

• Ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field.

Knowledge of Fairfax County hydrogeology.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 24, 2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kirin Furst at [email protected] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 17, 2025
Applications close: