Research Equipment Specialist III

Research Equipment Specialist III

Must live within 35 miles of Tuscaloosa, AL

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced testing and evaluation of research equipment with electronic and computerized components to determine functionality and effectiveness for hydrologic scientific data collection.
• Plan and execute complete technical projects of limited scope or lead defined portions of larger testing, evaluation, scientific support, and operational readiness efforts.
• Develop, adapt, and implement testing methods, evaluation procedures, and supporting structures for new or evolving hydrologic data collection technologies and monitoring systems.
• Conduct operational assessments, troubleshoot technical issues, and perform performance evaluations on scientific instrumentation, electronic systems, and computerized monitoring equipment.
• Support maintenance, configuration, setup, calibration, validation, and troubleshooting of scientific instrumentation and technical systems in laboratory and operational environments.
• Utilize specialized laboratory/testing/calibration equipment and follow established technical practices, safety requirements, and Government direction.
• Produce and maintain accurate technical documentation, including evaluation reports, operational summaries, calibration records, anomaly/discrepancy documentation, and status updates (weekly or monthly as required).
• Communicate results, risks, and recommendations clearly; coordinate activities with Government personnel, engineers, researchers, contractors, and operational staff.
• Support research activities, training support, surge operations, and operational readiness initiatives as needed to meet mission requirements.
• Provide technical coordination, guidance, or oversight to junior personnel supporting testing and evaluation activities, as assigned.

Requirements

• Typically requires an Associate Degree and 5–7 years of practical experience, plus relevant vocational or technical training aligned to research equipment, scientific instrumentation, hydrologic monitoring systems, electronics, technical evaluation, or related technical support work.
• Demonstrated experience performing non-routine equipment testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and calibration on electronic and computerized systems.
• Ability to develop and improve test methods and evaluation procedures; ability to execute work with limited oversight and strong technical judgment.
• Skilled in technical documentation and records management; able to produce clear, accurate evaluation results, summaries, and supporting records.
• Able to work safely and effectively in laboratory, testing, evaluation, electronics, and calibration environments; comply with federal procedures and OSHA safety requirements.
• Strong oral and written English communication skills; able to coordinate with engineers, researchers, and operational teams and provide professional customer support.
• Able to work onsite in Tuscaloosa, AL; must live within 35 miles of Tuscaloosa, AL.

Qualifications

• Must be able to complete required background investigation, facility access requirements, and Government cybersecurity/security training as required.
• Must safeguard Government property, equipment, records, and information; secure work areas and sensitive assets in accordance with Government requirements.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Skills

• Ability to work safely and effectively in laboratory, testing, evaluation, electronics, and calibration environments.
• Strong oral and written English communication skills.
• Skilled in technical documentation and records management.
• Ability to develop and improve test methods and evaluation procedures.
• Ability to execute work with limited oversight and strong technical judgment.

Benefits

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.