Job Title

Research Specialist I

Agency

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Department

Environmental Testing Facilities

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Bryan, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Who are we?

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is an agency of the State of Texas and member of The Texas A&M University System. For 70 years, TTI has addressed complex transportation challenges and opportunities with innovation, objectivity, and unmatched technical expertise. Our staff delivers excellence, value and thought leadership to ensure our research sponsors achieve their goals.

Our Mission and Vision

Our Vision - TTI leads in the creation of knowledge that transforms transportation for the benefit of society.

Our Mission - TTI delivers practical, innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the movement of people, data and goods through research, education and technology transfer.

Our Work Environment

Entrepreneurial culture

Affiliation with Texas A&M University students and faculty

Ability to work with nationally recognized experts

Ability to help train the next generation of transportation professionals

Premier office and research facilities and equipment

Accredited laboratories and safety proving ground

Outstanding research support services

Hybrid work environment/telecommuting

Flexible work hours

Family friendly

High staff retention rates

Leadership development and wellness programs

Data allowance and home office equipment reimbursements

Relocation assistance (if eligible)

Tuition reimbursement program (if eligible)

Our Employee Benefits

TTI employees can choose from several health coverage options offered by The Texas A&M University System for themselves and their families, as well as numerous other benefit programs.

https://www.tamus.edu/business/benefits-administration/

What you need to know

• TTI is a Texas based agency. This position has the flexibility of a hybrid remote option with two days in a TTI Texas based office. This can be discussed further during the interview process.

• The salary range for position is commensurate. Final salary will be determined based on the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Job Summary

The Research Specialist I, under general supervision, is responsible day-to-day operation at the TTI Sediment & Erosion Control Lab (SEC Lab), located on the RELLIS campus of the Texas A&M University System. Continued employment is dependent upon availability of funding and satisfactory performance.

Essential Duties

• Maintains the SEC Lab. This involves all aspects of the facility, such as ordering and purchasing testing materials and parts, calling in work orders, maintaining safety and training records, conducting materials testing for clients, interacting with clients that test at the lab, giving tours of the facility, setting the daily testing and work schedule, and other related activities. (20%)

• Conducts performance evaluations of erosion & sediment control products for TxDOT approval. (15%)

• Data storage and documentation. This involves the storage of test data securely and drafting test reports for all testing conducted at the SEC lab. (10%)

• Coordinates all facility testing (NTPEP, Research and Development, TXDOT Product Testing). This includes liaising with product vendors, AASHTO, and TxDOT officials, assisting with scoping R&D work, maintaining the test schedule, including dates and times for clients, and coordinating vendor and client visits. (10%)

• Conducts research. (10%)

• Compiles, analyzes, interprets, and reviews data and metadata. (10%)

• Collects samples, performs analysis on samples, and extracts measurement data from experiments. (5%)

• Maintains training materials for external users. (5%)

• Trains students or others in laboratory and field research and methods. (5%)

• Adheres to lab protocols. (5%)

• May attend local, national, and international meetings. (5%)

• Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Four years of related experience in soil science and/or vegetation establishment/management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and data management software.

Must have working knowledge of light construction equipment including hydroseeders, tractors,

backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, pumps, flow meters, scales, balances, and other data-logging equipment.

Must have computer knowledge and skills.

Ability to multi-task and work independently and cooperatively with others.

Other Requirements

Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

May be required to work in hot, cold, and extreme weather conditions.

Travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in stormwater quality, vegetation establishment/maintenance, and erosion and sediment control principals.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform common office functions. Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.

Ability to frequently communicate with other individuals within the workplace.

Ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.