The Data Analyst supports the Chesapeake Bay Program by providing data management, statistical analysis, modeling, and reporting related to water quality, benthic and phytoplankton communities, and ecosystem health throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The position works collaboratively with staff at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Office, and other Chesapeake Bay Program partners. The Data Analyst serves as a regional technical resource and uses Chesapeake Bay Program approved models, analytical tools, and methodologies to support monitoring, assessment, restoration goals, and water quality targets. The position manages and analyzes large, long-term environmental datasets and develops reports, visualizations, maps, and other analytical products used to evaluate water quality conditions, status, and trends.
Data Management and Analysis
• Manage, maintain, validate, and analyze large, long-term water quality, phytoplankton, and benthic monitoring datasets, including Chesapeake Bay Program data extending back to 1985.
• Use Chesapeake Bay Program approved analytical tools, statistical models, and methodologies to evaluate ecological and environmental data.
• Conduct statistical analyses using R and SAS, including Generalized Additive Model (GAM) analyses.
• Calculate benthic community metrics and biotic indices as indicators of ecosystem health and uses generalized additive models (GAMs) that employ results from these analyses.
Analyze water quality status, load trends, and factors affecting trends in tidal and nontidal waters throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Water Quality Assessment and Methodology
• Support the development, review, and application of analytical methods used to determine whether water quality criteria are being met for designated uses, including dissolved oxygen criteria.
• Review and evaluate analytical procedures, methodologies, and results and contribute to the development and refinement of partnership approved analytical approaches.
Reporting and Data Visualization
• Prepare technical reports and analytical products that communicate environmental conditions, trends, and assessment results.
• Develop charts, graphs, figures, GIS based maps, and other data visualizations to communicate findings.
• Compile and disseminate monitoring data, analytical results, and supporting materials for Chesapeake Bay Program partners.
Program and Partner Support
• Serve as a technical and analytical resource to the Chesapeake Bay Program, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and other program partners.
• Collaborate with scientists, technical staff, and partner agencies on monitoring, assessment, and restoration related initiatives.
• Attend internal and external meetings and present analytical findings, methodologies, and technical information to program partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
Education and/or training:
Knowledge and expertise typically acquired through a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences, Oceanography, Ecology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related ecological or environmental science field, or through an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
Level and type of experience
Experience managing and analyzing large, long-term ecological or environmental databases, including experience with statistical analysis, quantitative methods, and computer or statistical programming techniques.
Experience working with large and complex datasets and preparing analytical results for technical and scientific audiences.
Relevant professional experience demonstrating the required knowledge and technical expertise may substitute for formal education.
Specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Knowledge of statistical methods and their application to ecological or environmental data.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, organize, validate, and analyze large and complex datasets.
• Proficiency with R for statistical analysis, data management, and analytical applications.
• Working knowledge of SAS and the ability to work with existing SAS based databases, tools, and analytical routines.
• Ability to interpret complex environmental data and communicate findings through reports, charts, graphs, figures, maps, and presentations.
• Ability to review and apply established analytical methodologies and technical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and exercise professional judgment in selecting analytical approaches, evaluating results, and identifying data or methodological concerns.
• Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, technical staff, government agencies, and other program partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to internal and external audiences.
This position is being filled through the Research Foundation, which is a separate entity from Old Dominion University (ODU). While we work in support of ODU, the Research Foundation operates independently and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
To apply: click Job Browsing; and follow the link for position #26-056. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled
The organization is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer (AA/EOE/M/F/Disability/VETS/Drug-Free Workplace). We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all individuals in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions — including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and promotion — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Affirmative action efforts are conducted consistent with applicable laws to promote equal opportunity in employment and advancement.
As part of our commitment to pay transparency and compliance with applicable laws, the Research Foundation includes a good-faith salary range in all job postings. These ranges represent the expected hiring range for the position, not the full compensation band.
Final salary offers may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, internal equity, and budget availability. The anticipated salary range for this position is: $60,000.00 to $80,000.00
