Research Fellow - Safe Drinking Water Specialist

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Description

The Research Fellow - Safe Drinking Water Specialist will provide technical and training support in the four Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regions and the Boston office for the development and implementation of Drinking Water Programs, in particular the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Rule.

• Technical support to one identified MassDEP regional office (or Boston office).
• Review public water system (PWS) Service Line Inventory and Lead Service Line Replacement Plans.
• Assist PWS with: identifying service lines of unknown material and implementing Lead Service Line Replacement Plans; preparing applications for financial assistance, including State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan applications and federal and/or state grants; with permit completion and submission.
• Assist MassDEP in the development of technical guidance, procedures, and programs in preparation for future changes to PFAS regulations.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control reviews and assessments of laboratory reports to assist MassDEP in making compliance determinations.
• Assist with implementing public outreach and education efforts to engage PWS in activities to comply with MassDEP requirements.
• Review water quality results and discuss drinking water remediation options with PWS.
• Provide data and support for research on safe drinking water in Massachusetts, including lead service line inventory and replacement planning, PFAS, sanitary surveys, cybersecurity, and/or support for small and disadvantaged community water systems.
• Work with students and faculty on related research projects.
• Assist in the development of training materials for PWS operator continuing education.
• Prepare reports for, and participate in, periodic meetings/calls with UMass and MassDEP staff to discuss Program implementation and progress in achieving MassDEP goals.
• Respond to phone and email inquiries about the various technical assistance programs.
• Work with University faculty and other personnel, consultants, and grant sponsors to coordinate research and outreach projects.
• Travel: 40% weekly travel to MassDEP offices (office locations: MassDEP (100 Cambridge St., Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114); MassDEP Southeast Regional Office (20 Riverside Drive, Lakeville, MA 02347); MassDEP Central Regional Office - Worcester (8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606); MassDEP Western Regional Office - Springfield (436 Dwight Street, Springfield, MA 01103); or MassDEP Northeast Regional Office (150 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801); 20% travel to PWS in Massachusetts.; Travel to water systems or relevant meetings as appropriate.
• Operate a motor vehicle to travel to work sites.
• Contribute specific subject matter expertise to support the overall program on lead in drinking water, PFAS, and/or a domain area of support for water systems (e.g. sanitary surveys, cybersecurity, water quality data, funding applications).
• Engage in activities that will help the overall technical assistance program grow.
• Provide recommendations to the program and PWSs regarding future activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Masters degree plus three years of qualifying experience or Bachelor's degree plus five years of qualifying experience or Associate's Degree plus seven years or nine years of qualifying experience and a high school degree/GED/HiSet. Six+ years of qualifying experience or a Bachelor's degree plus four years of experience or a Masters degree plus three years of experience. Degree may be in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, or a closely related field.

Expert knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations, including Safe Drinking Water Act programs, and public drinking water systems.

Specific and substantial subject matter expertise in lead in drinking water, PFAS, and/or a domain area of support for water systems (e.g. sanitary surveys, cybersecurity, water quality data, funding applications)

Excellent communication and organizational skills, and be able to work effectively with facilities, staff, the Project Manager and Program Director, and other Technical Assistance Providers working on this Program.

Ability to exercise considerable tact and diplomacy in personal interactions.

Basic computer and communication/people skills are required.

Ability to travel to sites as appropriate, and to operate a motor vehicle to travel to work sites.\Basic knowledge of drinking water systems.

Massachusetts Driver's License (Class D) required at hire.

Water operator license desired.

Additional Information

Fully Remote with up to 60% travel within Massachusetts.

Supervision is received from University of Massachusetts Amherst Drinking Water Assistance Program faculty and staff, with additional support from MassDEP regional offices Drinking Water Program Section Chief or designee (Boston, Springfield, Worcester, Lakeville, and Woburn).

Up to 5 positions available contingent on funding. Initial appointment for 1 year with renewal based on performance and funding.

Positions are open until filled with a priority application deadline of October 31, 2024.

Application Instructions

Applicants should apply online and provide a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.