The graduate research assistant will assist with field data collection, watershed assessment, and water quality monitoring, including:
• Field verification of watershed boundaries, access points, and other critical locations
• Field surveys of selected parcels and watershed locations
• Compilation of geospatial datasets including land use/land cover, wetlands, and vegetative cover
• Collection and analysis of sediment (STP) and water samples (TP, PO₄, TN, NH₃, chlorophyll-a)
• Collection of water quality profiles using a multiparameter sonde (temperature, DO, pH, etc.)
• Compilation of records related to point and non-point sources and waste management in the watershed
• Aggregation and cleaning of water quality, hydrologic, and geospatial data
• Support for erosion/sediment assessments and water quality modeling (including BEHI field verification)
The student will work under the supervision of Dr. Karen R. Hickman in the Environmental Science Graduate Program. Oklahoma State University is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, approximately one hour from Oklahoma City and Tulsa. This assistantship includes a stipend, health insurance, and a tuition waiver. For more information visit our website at: https://agriculture.okstate.edu/departmentsprograms/environmental-science/graduate-program.Qualifications Required: B.S. in Environmental Science or a closely related discipline. Admission to the OSU Environmental Science M.S. program. Ability to work in outdoor field environments. Valid driver’s license. Preferred: Experience with GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS). Field sampling or water quality monitoring experience. Experience with environmental data management or analysis. Tentative Start Date:
Summer 2026.
Application Procedure: To apply, please email a letter of interest, resume, and unofficial transcripts to
Dr. Karen R. Hickman esgp@okstate.edu. Review of applications will begin 27 March 2026 and continue until the position is filled