Research Assistant/Associate (Watershed Planning)

Overview

This is a one-year limited-term position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. The individual selected for this position will serve as the lead author and technical coordinator for watershed planning projects focused on agricultural water management, watershed protection, drought resilience, and natural resource conservation. The position supports watershed planning efforts conducted in collaboration with USDA-NRCS, state conservation agencies, local watershed sponsors, and multidisciplinary technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead author for watershed plans, environmental assessments, technical reports, and planning documents.
• Cookordination technical input from hydrologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, GIS specialists, and other subject matter experts.
• Develop and evaluate watershed management alternatives and implementation strategies.
• Integrate technical analyses into cohesive planning documents.
• Cookordinate technical reviews and revisions.
• Prepare responses to agency comments and review findings.
• Ensure compliance with USDA-NRCS planning requirements and applicable environmental regulations.
• Prepare presentations, reports, and supporting materials for agency and stakeholder review.
• Communicate technical information to diverse audiences including agencies, conservation organizations, producers, and the public.
• Support development of proposals, scopes of work, and project reports.

Qualifications

• Research Assistant: Level I

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
  • One year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Research Assistant: Level II

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
  • Two years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
  • One year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Research Assistant: Level III

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
  • Four years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
  • One year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Research Associate: Level I

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
  • One year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Research Associate: Level II

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
  • Two years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
  • One year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Research Associate: Level III

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Environmental Planning, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Geography, Agricultural Sciences, Public Administration, Technical Communication, or a closely related field.
  • Four years of experience in research practices and protocols relevant to the position.
  • One year relevant education per year of required experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• Experience with watershed planning, agricultural water management, natural resource planning, or environmental consulting.
• Experience preparing environmental assessments, watershed plans, or similar planning documents.
• Familiarity with USDA-NRCS programs and planning procedures.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Knowledge of hydrology, ecology, conservation planning, or environmental policy.
• Experience with GIS products and spatial data interpretation.
• Experience presenting technical information to stakeholders and agency personnel.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.