Aquatic Scientist

STI; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

STI in Nashville seeks an Environmental Scientist in Aquatics to enter macroinvertebrate data into an Access database, prepare and sort samples, mount organisms, and organize a diatom photo library. The role includes photographing specimens, collecting for the SEMN project, packaging for shipment, and storage.

You will review LIMS entries, perform second checks, and assist with fish filleting prep while ensuring proper chain-of-custody documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory data entry and LIMS systems.
• Ability to perform semi-quantitative macroinvertebrate sample preparation.
• Proficiency with labeling, organization, and data entry for laboratory samples.

Responsibilities

• Enter macroinvertebrate data into an Access database and save documents for manager review.
• Clean semi-quantitative macroinvertebrate samples for sorting and analysis after training.
• Sort and pick macroinvertebrates from debris for further processing.
• Permanently mount specific organisms for identification.
• Organize diatom photo library and file photos.
• Photograph macroinvertebrate specimens for reference collections.
• Gather specimens for the SEMN project; log data, package for shipment, and return to storage.
• Dispose of old samples and manage waste alcohol disposal.
• Review and second-check information in the LIMS.
• Assist with fish filleting prep and verify chain-of-custody forms.

Skills

Data entry into Access

Macroinvertebrate sample prep

Macroinvertebrate sorting/picking

Specimen mounting

Diatom library organization

Macroinvertebrate photography

Specimen collection for SEMN

Waste handling and disposal

LIMS review

Fish filleting prep

Chain-of-custody documentation

Tools

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Environmental Scientist in Aquatics - Please upload degree or transcripts with application

Enter macroinvertebrate data into an access database; includes saving the document in the proper format for further work by the manager.

• After training, properly clean a semi-quantitative macroinvertebrate sample for preparation to sort/pick macroinvertebrates from the debris that was collected.
• After training, properly complete the headings and internal labels for all samples that are being processed for further analysis.
• After training, sort/pick macroinvertebrates from the previously cleaned semi-quantitative samples for further analysis.
• Permanently mount specific organisms for further identification.
• Organize the diatom photo library for clients; includes naming the photos and storing them in one central location.
• Take photos of the macroinvertebrate specimens in the reference collection for clients.
• Gather specimens in the SEMN (Southeastern Monitoring Network) project for sending for verification; includes typing information into an excel spreadsheet, packaging them for shipment, and putting them back in the collection for storage.
• Dispose of old samples and collect waste alcohol for disposal.

Review and “second check” information that has been entered into the LIMS (laboratory information management system).

Assist with fish filleting (prepping area, cleaning after, scaling fish); review and “second check” information on chain of custody forms after processing.