What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Assistant position at William & Mary?
Position Information
Position Number
T0432V
Position Title
Research Assistant
Employment Category
Hourly - Temporary
Location
VIMS - Gloucester
Department
1N1100 Natural Resources
Unit Mission Statement
The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of:
- Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities
- Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture
- Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change.
The Recruitment Surveys Program, within the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Section for Natural Resources, contributes to the understanding of the recruitment processes of coastal and marine fishes of the mid-Atlantic region by conducting high-quality research investigations.
Position Summary
Research Assistants perform a variety of routine, non-technical duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in field and/or research laboratories. They follow a structured schedule in performing simple, repetitive tasks under the immediate supervision of higher-level research personnel. Typical duties may include washing and sterilizing glassware and equipment; collecting, preparing and processing samples and support of field work. They primarily work as a member of a team. They work under general supervision, resolving basic issues independently and referring more complex issues to a manager.
The VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey (based in Gloucester Point, VA) is tasked with monitoring the annual recruitment success of juvenile Striped Bass in the spawning and nursery areas of lower Chesapeake Bay. The Research Assistant supports the VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey by assisting in field operations conducted in the James, York, and Rappahannock river estuaries and may assist with other fisheries monitoring programs around Chesapeake Bay.
The VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey (based in Gloucester Point, VA) is tasked with monitoring the annual recruitment success of juvenile Striped Bass in the spawning and nursery areas of lower Chesapeake Bay. The Research Assistant supports the VIMS Juvenile Striped Bass Seine Survey by assisting in field operations conducted in the James, York, and Rappahannock river estuaries and may assist with other fisheries monitoring programs around Chesapeake Bay.
Responsibilities include:
- Assist with deploying a 100-ft beach seine net, which involves pulling the net in waist-deep or chest-deep water, occasionally in unfavorable conditions.
- Assist with identifying, measuring, and counting fishes and recording environmental data in a tablet computer.
- Assist with processing of laboratory samples using established protocols.
- Remove and prepare fish otoliths for recent growth estimates.
- Maintain gear and assist with other projects or work as assigned.
Conditions of Employment
- This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months. All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed on average 29 hours per week, over the course of a twelve month period beginning May 1 each year.
- This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act. This position is subject to overtime as directed and approved by the supervisor.
- Must be able to swim and tolerate inclement weather conditions and to resist motion sickness during 8 – 12 hours in a boat/truck, and comfortably able to successfully perform assigned responsibilities.
- Must be physically able to pull seine and help move equipment and supplies (weighing up to 50 lbs.)
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, with a good driving record.
Essential Designation
No
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Position Restricted?
Yes, this is a temporary position
Position Term
Other (specify actual months below)
Position Months
Staff: Other (specify pay period start/end dates) - 5-12-2025 to 11-12-2025
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, with a good driving record.
- Ability to follow defined procedures and guidelines under direct supervision
- Some knowledge of basic lab safety
- Knowledge of the scientific method and laboratory procedures.
- Physically able to pull a 100 ft beach seine net in up to 4 ft of water.
- Physically able to move equipment and supplies of up to 50 lbs.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work successfully as a team player.
- Able to work outdoors for long periods of time occasionally in adverse conditions with little to no protection from the elements.
- Able to resist motion sickness during extensive hours in the field and on the water.
- Familiar with fish identification or other general taxonomic experience.
- Proficiency with computer applications, including data entry skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- College-level courses in biology, Ecology, or equivalent
- Knowledge of Fisheries Science
- Knowledge of Chesapeake Bay fishes
- Knowledge of basic sanitation techniques, laboratory and field safety procedures, research procedures, and use of laboratory equipment
- Handling and collecting organisms in the field.
- Experience with identifying juvenile Chesapeake Bay fishes.
- Demonstrated experience with small vessel operations (launching, landing, and trailering) is desirable.
Is the position remote work eligible?
Not eligible
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Advertised Pay Range
$16.00 per hr.
Advertised Pay Range Statement
All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.
This position has an established starting rate.
This position has an established starting rate.
University Salary Range
U02
Benefits Summary Statement
N/A
Job Open Date
03/27/2025
Review Begin Date
Job Close Date
04/10/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Special Application Instructions
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Salary : $16
