Research Scientist

Overview RESEARCH SCIENTIST (ELABS): Bowhead seeks a Research Scientist to support the Engineering Research and Development Center, Environmental Labs contract located in Vicksburg, MS. The Research Scientist will satisfy Army and Department of Defense (DoD) requirements by containing specific tasks associated with coastal science and management, forest and plant ecology, integrated hydrodynamic-ecological models, and wetland science. Globally, wetlands and aquatic resources contain a disproportionately large stock of carbon (C) relative to their spatial extent due to the presence of sediment deposition and burial, anaerobic soil/sediment conditions, and higher rates of C production than decomposition. Furthermore, aquatic systems have been shown to be significant sites of C processing and transformation, although they are often minimally considered in larger budgets. Studies indicate high rates of CO2 evasion with significant regional variability. As a result, wetlands and aquatic resources play a prominent role in climate regulation and provide significant opportunities to offset carbon emissions through preservation, restoration, and improved management in both coastal and inland settings. These landscape features are also at lower risk of C loss from wildfire and other threats (e.g., unregulated conversion to other landcover types), providing opportunities to sequester C for long periods in soil stocks that remain intact at timescales that exceed other ecological components (e.g., vegetation). Responsibilities Execute tasks related to the evaluation of existing wetland and aquatic resource C models to determine applicability and potential expansion. Evaluate available national and regional resources for quantifying spatially explicit data layers related to C stocks in wetlands and aquatic resources. This shall include evaluations of landcover and landuse data sets, national and regional wetland and aquatic resource inventories, soil surveys and other hydric soil criteria data, forest inventory and analysis resources, National Hydrography datasets, the National Inventory of Dams (a key source of reservoir data), and other information streams related to the presence, characteristics (e.g., hydrogeomorphic class, soil moisture regime), and extent of and aquatic resources and associated C stocks. Evaluate national and regional data sets or methods for translating data proxies into estimates of C stocks (and potentially flows). Collect, management, and analyses data associated with baseline (i.e., reference) ecosystem conditions as well as wetland and forestry functional status in disturbed, altered, restored, or createdenvironments. Conduct an assessment of invasive species on ecosystems, such as impacts of feral swine disturbance on wetlands at USACE ERDC projects. Evaluate the performance and trajectory of restored/created environments of interest including the cycling of nutrients, elements, and other compounds within various ecosystems. Assist with field and laboratory/greenhouse evaluations to include the identification of woody and herbaceous vegetation; quantification of vegetation type, density, and vigor; collection of supporting ecosystem data related to bathymetry, water quality, and topography. Collect of field samples from locations throughout the United States related to the impacts of invasive species such as feral hogs and impacts of natural disturbances (fire, hurricanes, etc.) As such the contractor shall have experience with working outside under adverse weather conditions; have the capacity to assist with work conducted in remote areas while exposed to insects, wet/hot conditions, uneven terrain, and be able to lift and carry field gear weighing up to 50 pounds.- Specific task requirements may include: identification of herbaceous and woody plants; quantification of vegetation type and forest density and abundance using standard forest sampling techniques; conducting mesocosm greenhouse studies and executing data collection protocols; performing data measurements including plant height, growth rate, and response to changing environmental conditions; operate monitoring equipment (YSI, water table loggers) under the direction of ERDC staff; data management; ordering preparing field equipment for deployment; general laboratory cleaning protocols; and other general tasks related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of field and laboratory studies (sample preparation, processing). Qualifications Associates Degree and two to five (2-5+) years of experience in a related field or related area, or a combination of education and experience. Must have knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures as related to biological and environmental studies Intermediate to advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and outside contacts Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team Physical Demands:
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend, and squat periodically SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a Public Trust (NAC) level clearance. US Citizenship is a requirement for this location.