Malacologist/Aquatic Ecologist

EnviroScience, Inc.

Full time Regular

The Malacologist/Aquatic Biologist at EnviroScience is responsible for completion of aquatic survey services and project work and conducting field research, monitoring mollusk populations, and providing expertise in malacology to support environmental consulting efforts. This position includes but are not limited to field work, laboratory work, and data management while also other project efforts such as proposal preparation, technical report writing, and other aquatic survey or natural resources services. Extensive fieldwork, taxonomic expertise, and collaboration with regulatory agencies and environmental organizations. The candidate will focus on endangered or threatened species, particularly freshwater mussels, snails, and crayfish, and contribute to the development of conservation strategies to protect these species and their habitats.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities


Field Research & Sampling

• Conduct field surveys for freshwater mollusks and other aquatic species, primarily mussels and snails, using standardized protocols.
• Perform species identification, population assessments, and habitat evaluations in aquatic environments (rivers, lakes, streams).
• Collect biological samples for lab analysis, ensuring proper handling and documentation.
• Conduct field surveys for macroinvertebrate communities in various habitats, such as lakes, rivers, and streams using various types of methods including kick nets, artificial habitats, and dredge samplers.
• Collect in-situ measurements of water quality parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen) during sampling events.
• Collect water samples for laboratory chemical or biological analysis.
• Evaluate and document aquatic habitats, assessing features such as substrate composition, flow regime, and fish cover.
• Identify aquatic species using taxonomic guides and laboratory analysis, focusing on the fauna of the midwestern and eastern United States, most specifical fish species.
• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.
• Assist with other Marine Services or other practice area project work, as needed.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze survey data and prepare detailed reports for internal use, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain and update species databases and GIS mapping tools to track mollusk distributions.
• Interpret scientific data to support conservation strategies and environmental impact assessments.

Regulatory Compliance & Collaboration

• Ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Clean Water Act (CWA).
• Collaborate with environmental agencies, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.
• Participate in public outreach efforts and educational programs related to conservation.
• Report annual field activities to various federal and state agencies as-required.

Project Management

• Lead and oversee projects focused on environmental studies, endangered species, conservation and habitat restoration.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful completion of environmental initiatives.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including biologists, hydrologists, and environmental engineers, to execute field research and mitigation projects.

Requirements



Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, malacology, or a related field.
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in biology or malacology, with an emphasis on freshwater mussels, snails, crayfish, bats, and/or other T&E species.
• Currently possess or have the ability to attain federal recovery permit for mussels, crayfish and bumblebees in WV, OH and surrounding states.
• Project management experiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience:

o Master’s degree or Ph.D. in malacology, biology, ecology, or a related field.
o Experience with endangered species research or environmental consulting.
o Federal Endangered Species Act Section 10 recovery permit for mollusk and aquatic species in the U.S.
o Certifications in scuba diving or other aquatic fieldwork skills.
o Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping species distributions.
o Previous experience working with federal and state regulatory agencies.
o Experience conducting fieldwork in aquatic environments, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and wading.
o Proficiency in species identification and familiarity with regional mollusk species.
o Strong understanding of environmental regulations and wildlife laws (e.g., ESA, CWA).


Desired Skills:

• Excellent taxonomic identification skills for aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
• Professional publications.
• Experience with bats, fish, and other T&E Species.
• Experience with wetland and stream assessments and mitigation.
• Proficient in data collection and statistical analysis, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Problem-solving abilities in fieldwork logistics and project management.
• Strong collaborative skills for working with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.

Additional:
Department & Division: Marine Services
Exempt Status*: Exempt
Reports to**: Director of Marine Services
Works with Inside Company: Marine Services Staff, other PMs
Works with Outside Company: Clients

Working Conditions:

• Regular travel primarily during the summer and fall months (May-October) with routine extended deployments.
• Be prepared for long hours, weekend work, and strenuous fieldwork in various weather conditions.

Supervisor Responsibilities: Project management of field staff assigned to the project.

Physical Requirements: Boat travel and working conditions, sitting standing for long periods for field and office assignments, ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs, ability to work in diverse weather conditions.

Travel Requirements: Ability to travel extensively during the summer and fall, with routine extended deployments.

• 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 [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)

Company: EnviroScience