PTOC Freshwater Taxonomist

Versar, Inc. • Columbia, MD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Versar’s Environmental Services Group has an immediate opening for a PTOC Freshwater Taxonomist to augment its Natural Resources team in Columbia, MD. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of related experience and be able to assist the company with freshwater benthic taxonomic support. Knowledge of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy is required. Tasks will include managing laboratory sorting and analysis of biological samples, and related data analysis and reporting tasks. Work may also include support to field sampling and laboratory operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marine science or related field required
• 15+ years of technical experience in conducting Freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy
• SFS (Society for Freshwater Science) certified in genus level EPT (East) and North American Chironomidae
• Excellent communication skills, as well as strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving and research abilities
• Experience processing and identifying samples consistent with the Maryland Biological Stream Survey protocols
• The ability and flexibility to work with a variety of staff, projects, and task timelines simultaneously is critical to this position
• Detail-oriented, organized, and team player with a strong focus on quality and client service
• Understanding of the current taxonomic classification system of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates
• Must have 5+ years of experience supporting state and commercial clients in the state of MD
• Must possess and maintain an active and valid driver's license without restrictions and compliance with Versar’s vehicle policy
• Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal, to ensure effective communication and collaboration
• Successful results of pre-employment screenings, including federal background check, MVR, and drug screen
• Comply with company drug and alcohol policy
• Be authorized to work in the US or will be authorized by the successful candidate’s start date

Responsibilities

• Freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate taxonomy
• Analysis of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrate samples, and sediment data
• Reporting taxonomic data
• Ability to conduct QA/QC protocols for taxonomic identification
• Communicating with government, academic, industry researchers, and Chesapeake Bay Program partners via meetings, workgroups, and in relevant scientific conferences
• Support to other Columbia office projects

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees