Lab/Field Technician - Aquatic Sciences Department
About The Position
The Lab/Field Technician I position is an early-career role supporting a variety of environmental services for private and public sector clients. This role involves approximately 70% lab/field work and 30% office work, with a minimum of 20 hours per week and potential for up to 40 hours depending on project needs. Technicians must be able to follow complex instructions and communicate effectively with a team. They will assist Biologists and Senior Scientists by executing fieldwork and supporting general operations. Key expectations include excellent field data collection and data entry skills, self-motivation, a strong work ethic, and the ability to meet deadlines. Tasks may include assisting with various types of aquatic surveys, water quality monitoring, organism collection and processing, habitat assessments, sediment analysis, boat and drone operations, equipment management, database entry, and report table development. Other tasks may be assigned to support new projects and professional development.
Requirements
- Minimum of 20 hours per week expected, up to 40 hours.
- Ability to follow complex instructions.
- Ability to communicate candidly, professionally, and effectively with a team.
- Excellent field data collection and data entry skills (i.e., attention to detail).
- Self-motivated and conscientious with a strong work ethic.
- Ability to meet deliverable deadlines within the expected timeframes.
- Strong familiarity with Florida’s ecosystems and flora/fauna (freshwater, estuarine, marine).
- Demonstrated ability to conduct field surveys and work safely and effectively in demanding outdoor environments, including extended hours in hot, cold, wet, rainy, or otherwise adverse weather conditions, with exposure to insects and other environmental stressors.
- Ability to travel and work out of town for multiple consecutive days, including early morning departures, extended workdays, overnight shifts, and occasional weekend assignments as project needs require.
- Experience using GPS units and related software and GIS products, such as ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, FieldMaps, and Survey123.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Access.
- Experience conducting field sampling in support of water quality monitoring projects.
- Ability to do in-water work (snorkeling required).
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time at a microscope.
- Ability to work well in a team setting as well as independently with limited direct oversight.
- Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and strong problem-solving skills.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record.
- B.S. degree in the environmental/biological sciences.
- At least two years of related professional experience.
Nice To Haves
- SCUBA certification preferred.
- Experience with taxonomic identification (e.g., aquatic worms, fish, ichthyoplankton, crustaceans, meroplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, aquatic insects, submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation, phytoplankton, etc.).
- Experience trailering, launching/retrieving and operating a boat.
- Experience with technical writing.
- FAA Remote Pilot (Drone) Part 107 license.
Responsibilities
- Sort benthic macroinvertebrate and zooplankton samples into taxonomic groups.
- Conduct benthic surveys in the field.
- Conduct water quality field sampling.
- Collect and process aquatic organisms, including occasional preservation of specimens.
- Accurately perform data collection, entry, verification, and management in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.
- Support the preparation of technical reports and other project-specific deliverables within predefined due dates.
- Successfully manage multiple assignments and tasks concurrently.
- Responsible for the preparation, ordering, and maintenance of field equipment.
- Assist Biologists and Senior Scientists by executing fieldwork and supporting general operations.
- Execute fieldwork and support general operations.
- Assist with benthic macroinvertebrate collection and sorting.
- Assist with Ichthyoplankton/ meroplankton collection and sorting.
- Assist with benthic resource surveys (e.g., coral/sponges, oyster, and submerged aquatic vegetation).
- Assist with water quality monitoring.
- Assist with aquatic organism collection and processing.
- Assist with freshwater habitat assessments.
- Assist with stream condition index collections.
- Assist with sediment analysis.
- Assist with boat operations.
- Assist with drone operations.
- Assist with equipment deployment and retrieval.
- Assist with database entry.
- Assist with report table development.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- medical insurance
- retirement plan
- bonus opportunities
- professional development support
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
