Research Scientist III

Description

Broad Scope & Function

The Research Scientist series, with progressive levels of responsibility, provides support and advice services for applied research and technical assistance projects conducted by OWP on environmental/water resources problems. This position includes water-related specialties. This position involves the application of the scientific method including defining a problem, identifying research questions, study planning, and dissemination of results. This position requires creativity, critical judgment, and flexibility in applying appropriate methods and analysis to achieve project goals. The position may include providing water sector utilities with training and technical assistance services for building their technical, managerial, financial, and workforce capacity. This position assists with proposals, marketing, planning, organizing, supervising, and/or performing the work of a professional staff, and ensures that work products meet OWP quality standards. The position represents OWP at professional meetings and conferences involving state and federal entities, Sacramento State and other colleges/universities, industry, and private sector organizations.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports directly and receives general direction from the Associate Director of Research for OWP or their designee.

Salary

$8,033 - $12,050 per month Benefits

Participation in CalPERS Retirement Program

Paid Vacation Time - starting at 10 hours accrued/month

Paid Sick Time - 8 hours accrued/month

Paid Holidays - 14 paid holidays per year including paid time off the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as the CSUS campus is closed

Excellent medical benefits - 100% employer-paid medical & dental for employee-only coverage and low cost for family coverage

Educational Assistance Program for employees and/or dependents

Discounted membership to The WELL, Sacramento State's on-campus fitness center

View a comprehensive list of all of the benefits at Application Instructions

This position is open until filled with a priority review date of November 3, 2025. We will begin application review on this date.

Please include the following with your application:

Resume If this document is not included, your application materials will not be considered. Please include your employment history in the "Employment Experience" section of your application in addition to submitting your resume.

Conditions of Employment

The selected candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States. University Enterprises, Inc. is not a sponsoring agency (i.e. H-1B Visa).

This is a full-time, exempt from overtime, benefited position, covered under the California Public Employees' Retirement System. Continued employment in this position is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the employee, and either University Enterprises or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provides scientific or environmental advice in designing, implementing, and completing research projects.

Collects, documents, analyzes, and interprets field and/or laboratory data from research projects.

Provides technical expertise and support for OWP research projects.

Identifies the need and assists in incorporating research findings in design and implementation of environmental and water resources projects.

Administers research and technical assistance projects, including preparation of selected contract documents (e.g., scopes and schedules), day-to-day contract enforcement, and evaluation of project results.

Prepares reports and presentations of findings to university, funding agencies, and other interested parties and groups.

Provides Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) for sample collection and reporting activities.

Participates in conferences and workshops to transmit research results.

Assists in preparation of proposals.

Develops guidance materials and training activities for employees of state and local agencies on environmental compliance.

Provides technical supervision for up to five (5) lower-level staff. Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in biological sciences, biology, microbiology, chemistry, geology, earth sciences, environmental sciences, or related field with a total of six (6) years of experience with water quality or water resources projects.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze environmental laws and regulations including Federal Register and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).

Demonstrated knowledge of the characteristics and environmental impacts of point and non-point source pollution.

Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary research group.

Demonstrated ability to review and edit technical project reports and documents.

Demonstrated ability to present information and results in conferences and meetings.

Demonstrated knowledge of monitoring and analysis of natural and engineered environmental systems.

Demonstrated ability to manage environmental applied research projects.

Demonstrated ability to respond to request for proposals (RFP); and assemble and supervise a research team to complete the projects.

Must be legally eligible to drive in California, complete and pass an online training course, maintain a good driving record, and be acceptable for vehicle insurance coverage under the University Enterprises insurance plan. Must continue to meet the established driving standards. Driving record will be monitored with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure compliance.

Must pass a background check, which may include fingerprinting. Must continue to meet the established standards.

Physical Requirements

With or without a reasonable accommodation: Sit for extended periods of time; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, copy machines, fax machines, scanners, and printers. Site visits require ability to walk up and stand on steep earthen and vegetated slopes.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors at project locations (sometimes under inclement conditions); continuous contact with staff, campus community, the public, and government agencies; requires travel to project sites, coordination meetings, and conferences.

Work Schedule

40 hours per week

Monday-Friday

8:00 am - 5:00 pm