Marine Services Biology Field Technician

ACRT•Stow, OH

20h•$18•Hybrid

About The Position

The Marine Services Biology Field Technician is responsible for assisting with fieldwork related to freshwater mussel surveys. The position involves significant fieldwork alongside a team of biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists, offering hands-on experience in field surveys, ecological studies, and data capture and management to help assess the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and natural habitats. This position may also include other marine services project work including, but not limited to data entry, basic data analysis, habitat restoration services, and species inventory surveys. Requirements for this position include but are not limited to field work and data management and analysis while also offering the opportunity to assist with other Marines Services projects or other practice areas (e.g., Natural Resources, Restoration, Compliance, Lab Services) project efforts.

Requirements

Education: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s program in a field of natural sciences.
Experience: Familiarity with basic ecological principles and practices, including field work or study.
Willingness to conduct field work in harsh conditions and over long workdays.
Overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience conducting aquatic or freshwater mussel surveys and evaluations.
Identification of freshwater mussels or aquatic fauna.
Familiarity with a variety of sampling methods, especially for freshwater mussels.
Familiarity with characterizing reach scale meso-, macro-, and micro-habitat.
Familiarity with ecological field equipment, such as GPS units, flow meters, water quality meters, and/or tablets and Geodes.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) including technical writing, data QA/QC, and data analysis.
Strong skills in conducting detailed field surveys, including identification of freshwater mussels.
Open-water SCUBA Certification or experience snorkeling
Strong written and verbal communication skills and critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.
Ability to work under direct supervision of field crew leaders in a team environment as well as the ability to work independently on data management.
High attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Experience with data management systems, mapping software (e.g., QGIS), and field survey technology.
Flexibility to handle changes in schedule, location, and project scope based on field conditions and project needs.

Responsibilities

Attend project training and preparation and progress meetings as necessary.
Assist with biological assessments associated with freshwater mussel resources following the prescribed protocol.
Collect and process freshwater mussels, habitat, and water quality variables.
Collect and process water quality and habitat data
Identify freshwater mussels to species using taxonomic guides and diagnostic keys.
Gather field data using GPS/tablet Geode units, data sheets, and electronic devices.
Assist with other field work within other departments as needed.
Conduct field work in adverse weather and rough terrain.
Complete data forms from information collected in the field.
Input, organize, and manage ecological data electronically.
Ensure accurate documentation of field activities, including photography and note-taking.
Communicate effectively with project managers, field crew leads, team leads, and other crew members.
Ensure that all fieldwork and project activities follow approved study plans and federal, state, and/or local environmental assessment protocols.