Macroinvertebrate Biology Technician

EnviroScience, Inc.

Full time Regular

Position Summary

The Macroinvertebrate Biology Technician is responsible for completion of macroinvertebrate services and project work at the headquarters office. The Macroinvertebrate Biology Technician will be responsible for laboratory sample processing and completion of aquatic macroinvertebrate field survey project work. Requirements of this position include but are not limited to laboratory work, field work, and data management while also offering the opportunity to assist with other project efforts such as proposal preparation, technical report preparation, and other aquatic survey or natural resources services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Laboratory Sample Processing and Analysis

• Process collected samples in preparation for identification. This may include, but is not limited to, sorting and/or subsampling following standard protocols, slide mounting specimens, labeling samples, and laboratory organization.
• Perform quality control and validation of sample processing to ensure consistency and reliability in results and analysis.
• Assist with data entry and analysis.
• Maintain laboratory equipment or supply inventory and ensure proper storage.

Field Work and Surveys

• Collect aquatic macroinvertebrates from streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands using various sampling techniques (e.g., kick nets, artificial habitats, and drift nets).
• Collect in-situ measurements of water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen) during sampling events.
• Ensure proper handling, preservation, and labeling of collected specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Evaluate and document aquatic habitats, assessing instream features such as substrate composition, flow regime, and water depth.
• Gather field data using GPS units, data sheets, and electronic devices.
• Maintain field equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.
• Assist with other field work or natural resources project work, as needed.

Data Management and Reporting

• Tabulate and analyze data related to macroinvertebrate assemblages and community structure using computer software.
• Calculate standard macroinvertebrate community metrics or indices such as the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) or Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI).
• Assist in the preparation of detailed technical reports.

Project Assistance

• Communicate with field technicians, team and field crew leads, and project managers, providing updates on project progress and addressing technical questions related to macroinvertebrate sampling and other assigned tasks.
• Ensure that all fieldwork and project activities follow approved study plans and federal, state, and/or local environmental assessment protocols.
• Support business development by assisting with proposal efforts.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: B.S./B.A. degree in natural science field of study
• Experience: 2+ years in macroinvertebrate sample collection and/or laboratory sorting and processing.
• Proficiency in field identification of macroinvertebrates to at least order level

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• B.S./B.A. Aquatic Ecology, Entomology, or Environmental Science.5+ years of professional experience in macroinvertebrate taxonomy and field sampling.
• 5+ years of experience in macroinvertebrate sample collection and/or laboratory processing and/or taxonomy.
• Familiarity with the use of taxonomic keys for macroinvertebrate identification to the family, genus, or species levels.
• Certification as a Taxonomist by a recognized body (e.g., Society for Freshwater Science) or the ability to obtain taxonomic certification(s) for various taxonomic groups (particularly the Eastern region).
• Familiarity with environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act and experience in conducting impact assessments.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in laboratory settings, especially during specimen identification and data management.
• Experience with data management software and ability to interpret ecological indices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer programs (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Experience with data collection/management systems, mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123), and field survey technology.

Desired Skills:

• Strong skills in conducting detailed field research using various survey methods.
• Ability to operate and trailer boats of various sizes on different types of waterbodies.
• Physical ability to work in outdoor field conditions, including wading in streams and rivers and carrying equipment.
• Ability to lead field crews and multi-task regularly in a fast-paced, changing work environment
• Demonstrated ability to write or assist with technical reports.
• High attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Organizational skills to manage workload and the ability to assist with multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for coordinating with project team and supervisors, preparing reports, and interacting with clients.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to address issues encountered in the field.
• Strong flexibility and multi-tasking skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with different laboratory protocols daily.

Work Environment

This candidate will need to collaborate effectively with other Macroinvertebrate Taxonomists/Biologists, team and field crew leads, and project managers to complete project work as a team under supervision or independently with minimal supervision. This position consists of predominantly work in the laboratory and office with occasional field work. On an annual basis, work duties could be up to 75% laboratory/office and 25% field efforts. During the field season, approximately May through October, this position could expect to work 40% or more in the field. Laboratory and office work assignments will be conducted throughout the entire year and typically consist of an 8-hour day. Field work assignments may include consecutive days working outdoors with a field crew in all types of weather conditions and sometimes in remote and challenging locations. A typical field day consists of 8-12 working hours which may potentially include irregular hours and weekend work. Overnight travel and working for extended periods in different states is project specific but may be required.

This position is a hybrid role, meaning employees will work a schedule which includes laboratory work on location in the Stow, Ohio office or regional office and field work.

This position is expected to report to the office and laboratory for office-based work but working from home may be permitted for specific assignments. Standard office equipment and space will be provided to work in the office. Working from home must be pre-approved by your direct supervisor and is subject to current workload and employee utilization. All employees' work schedules must be updated to indicate work type (field or lab/office) and location for each day. Uninterrupted home-based internet is a must in your home to attend and host video calls, along with a minimum bandwidth speed of 20 mbps.

Additional

Department & Division: 470 Natural Resources

Exempt Status*: Non-exempt

Reports to**: Macroinvertebrate Operations Lead

Works with Inside Company:

• Internal Human Resources Team
• Internal Corporate Teams
• Natural Resources leadership & personnel

Works with Outside Company:

• Clients, Consultants, and vendors as necessary

Working Conditions:

• Office/Laboratory
• Occasional overnight travel
• On-site work, outdoors
• Long periods of driving
• Overnight and some weekend travel can be expected.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• None

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting in a chair to complete microscopy work
• Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
• Occasionally may need to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.
• Must be able to complete work by standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching
• Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Walking for periods of time including maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain
• Heavy work that includes moving, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., or more

Travel Requirements:

• % of travel time: on an annual basis, typically up to 25%; during field season (approximately May through October) could be up to 40% or more.

*This position is classified as exempt based on the job duties.

**The company reserves the right to make changes to the reporting structure for this position due to business needs.

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [click to reveal email address] [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)