Macroinvertebrate Taxonomist

The Macroinvertebrate Taxonomist is responsible for completion of macroinvertebrate services and project work at the headquarters office. The Macroinvertebrate Taxonomist will be responsible for laboratory sample processing, identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates, 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 writing, and other aquatic survey or natural resources services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Laboratory Sample Processing, Identification, and Analysis

• Process collected samples in preparation for identification. This may include, but is not limited to, sorting and/or subsampling following standard protocols.
• Identify aquatic macroinvertebrates to the family, genus, or species level using taxonomic keys and microscopy.
• Maintain and organize a reference collection of specimens to ensure taxonomic accuracy.
• Perform quality control and validation of identification data to ensure consistency and reliability in results 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.
• Maintain field equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.

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 identification.
• Support business development by assisting with proposal efforts.

Mentorship and Technical Expertise

• Advise less experienced personnel in laboratory duties or field survey techniques.
• Provide comprehensive review of data calculations, reports, and draft documents as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: B.S./B.A. degree in natural science field of study

Experience: 2+ years of experience in macroinvertebrate sampling and genus or species level identification in freshwater ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience:

• Master's degree in Aquatic Ecology, Entomology, or Environmental Science.
• 5+ years of professional experience in macroinvertebrate taxonomy and field sampling.
• Certification as a Taxonomist by a recognized body (e.g., Society for Freshwater Science).
• Proficiency in identifying macroinvertebrates to the species level.
• Familiarity with environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act and experience in conducting impact assessments.
• Proficiency in the use of taxonomic keys for macroinvertebrate identification to at least the family or genus level.
• 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.)

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
• Project and/or client management.
• 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.

Work Environment

This candidate will need to collaborate effectively with team leads and other Macroinvertebrate Taxonomists. This candidate needs to be able to complete project work 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 90% laboratory/office and 10% field efforts. During the field season, approximately May through October, this position could expect to work up to 25% 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*: Exempt

Reports to**: Macroinvertebrate Operations Lead

Works with Inside Company:

• Internal Human Resources Team
• Internal Corporate Teams
• Natural Resourcesleadership & 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 10%; during field season (approximately May through October) could be up to 25%

*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.

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)