Expertise
(1/1/2009)
The scientist is a Supervisory Research Chemist in the Inorganic Section of the Environmental Chemistry Branch, which investigates local-, regional- and basin-scale natural resource issues associated with the effects of elemental contaminants on ecosystems. The research is integrated with that of the other field and laboratory components of the CERC, other parts of USGS, other agencies, universities, and national and international non-government organizations. The research of the scientist is directed towards assessing the effects of elemental environmental contaminants on aquatic habitats and the resources within those habitats with current emphasis on bioaccumulation: investigating the bioaccumulation of mercury and selenium in aquatic food chains including providing data that will establish human heath advisories for both elements; hard-rock mining: assessing the effects of elemental contaminants from hard-rock mining on aquatic resources; endangered species: establishing baseline toxicity information on the toxicity of target metals to endangered species; and biomonitoring: the biomonitoring of elemental contaminants in fish from various habitats in freshwater and saltwater. In conducting this research, the scientist serves as the team leader of the Inorganic Section of the Environmental Chemistry Branch, and the Section functions as either a stand-alone team for a project or as one of several teams at or outside of CERC (other DOI agencies, universities, other federal and state agencies) that may be assigned to a particular aspect of a project. This team consists of 6 members; Research Chemist GM-13, Research Chemist GM-13, Physical Science Technician GS-9; Physical Science Technician GS-9; Scientific Aide I (contract employee); Scientific Aide II (contract employee). The scientist researches and justifies new analytical approaches and techniques for the Inorganic Section and works with DOI contracting GAO personnel when necessary to procure scientific instrumentation. The scientist also conducts special assignments on the design of new laboratory facilities for CERC. The scientist has conducted work involving Department of Justice (DOJ) National Resource Damage Assessment cases, and as Section Leader, is responsible for implementation of rigid Quality Assurance/Quality Control measures required by the DOJ. The scientist routinely analyzes environmental samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry techniques and develops and maintains a relational database system which serves to manage and track status of all samples, data, and reports generated by the Section. The scientist is called upon to provide technical assistance to DOI, other federal, state, and international agencies, as well as private interests. The requests have come in the form of program reviews for major federal initiatives, manuscript reviews, research proposal reviews, and participation on planning teams. The research often involves the development of new field and/or laboratory methods, as well as innovative applications of existing ecological and toxicological methodologies. The scientist devises research strategies, and plans and prioritizes research that involves the many disciplines comprised by the CERC. The scientist prepares technical reports and manuscripts for publication in international scientific journals, books, and in peer-reviewed government report series, and presents research findings at national and international scientific meetings and forums. Duties primarily involve research, but also include research administration, coordination, and technical assistance. The timely completion of assigned team projects is the highest priority. All other employees are supervised on a daily basis regarding work design, direction, progress, and review. The scientist is responsible for the development of integrated work plans, performance plans, and position descriptions for the Inorganic Section staff. The scientist routinely evaluates performance and updates the position description for each employee of the Section. Other responsibilities include preparing the justification and the selection of new staff when hiring into positions in the Section, requesting promotions, identifying training and developmental needs, and recommending awards. The scientist is solely responsible for preparing and managing the Section yearly budget, including all external funds brought into the Section, and establishing budgets and generating financial reports from BASIS+.