Environmental Technician III

The State of Vermont is hiring an Environmental Technician III to support the LaRosa Partnership Program, focusing on water quality science and community collaboration. The role involves overseeing water chemistry sample collection, logistics, data analysis, and partner training. The position is based at the Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory in Randolph, VT, requires some fieldwork and irregular hours, and is temporary with variable hours.
Overview
The Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section of the Rivers Program seeks a motivated individual passionate about water quality science and collaborating with community partners to protect Vermont's rivers and streams. The Assistant Coordinator will support the LaRosa Partnership Program (LPP), which generates over 4,000 water chemistry samples each year from more than 200 stream sites statewide. The data produced benefits the VT DEC, partner organizations, and the public by informing stream health initiatives.


Alongside the LPP Coordinator, the Assistant Coordinator will help implement the LPP and serve as a primary contact for community partners to guide them in collecting water‑chemistry samples biweekly from May through August. Responsibilities include overseeing logistics of sample collection and submission, developing an understanding of monitored parameters, and analyzing the collected chemistry data.


The position is stationed at the Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory in Randolph Center, VT. Some work outside regular hours is required, including field days exceeding the standard 8‑hour workday and possible occasional overnight trips throughout the state.


Job Duties

Provide responsive technical support to partner groups to ensure sampling is conducted accurately and efficiently.
Assist with coordinating logistics and preparations for water‑quality sampling throughout the season.
Track and maintain inventories and maps of sampling sites, water‑quality parameters, and flow observations.
Assist with driving around the state as needed to pick up and deliver samples to the state laboratory.
Independently submit samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
Plan and conduct partner training sessions and site visits.
Develop supplemental educational, outreach, and training resources for partner groups.
Review sample records and data for errors (e.g., missing information, contamination, and improper sampling procedures) and resolve discrepancies.
Assist with quality assurance of sampling data to prepare it for publication via the state database and the LPP data display tools.
Assist with additional data management, reporting, and analysis tasks.
On a limited, as‑needed basis, assist Biomonitoring and Aquatic Studies Section staff with field or laboratory tasks.

Desirable Experience and Skills

Knowledge of water quality and chemistry, including experience with monitoring and interpreting the chemical condition of freshwater ecosystems.
Experience operating and calibrating water‑chemistry equipment and instrumentation.
Ability to conduct field‑based tasks, carrying up to 30 lbs in rivers and streams.
Ability to work independently and with a team to build positive collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, for technical and non‑technical audiences.
Excellent organization and time‑management skills.
Ability to manage and analyze data with Excel, GIS, and/or R coding.
Possession of a valid driver's license.

Applicant Eligibility
The position is open to all State employees and external applicants. This is a temporary position; variable hours are expected and no 40‑hour week is guaranteed.


Environmental Factors
Duties are performed in both a standard office setting and in the field. Users must have private means of transportation. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, construction sites in all weather conditions, and traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Heavy lifting, climbing, and work outside the regular schedule may be required. Situations may also involve encountering strong and conflicting opinions.


Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, biological-life, physical science, math, or natural resources.
OR an associate's degree in engineering, biological-life, physical science, math, or natural resources and two (2) years or more at or above a technical level in an environmental or natural resources field.
OR high school diploma or equivalent and four (4) years or more of experience at or above a technical level in an environmental or natural resources field.
OR one (1) year or more as an Environmental Technician II.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State's employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.