Lab/Field Technician - Aquatic Sciences Department

Ecological Associates, Inc.; Jensen Beach (FL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Bonus opportunities

Professional development support

Job summary

Ecological Associates, Inc. in Jensen Beach, FL is seeking a Lab/Field Technician I to support a range of environmental projects with 70% field/lab and 30% office work. This early-career, part-time role requires a minimum of 20 hours per week, with potential up to 40 hours depending on project needs.

You will follow complex instructions, perform fieldwork, collect data, and assist with reports. Requirements include a B.S.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in the environmental/biological sciences with at least two years of related professional experience.
• Ability to travel and work out of town for multiple consecutive days.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Experience with taxonomic identification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Sort benthic macroinvertebrate and zooplankton samples into taxonomic groups.
• Conduct benthic surveys in the field and water quality sampling.
• Collect and process aquatic organisms, including occasional preservation of specimens.
• Accurately perform data collection, entry, verification, and management per SOPs.

Skills

Field surveys

Teamwork and independent work

Attention to detail

Outdoor adaptability

Education

B.S. in environmental/biological sciences

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

FieldMaps

Survey123

GPS devices

Excel, Word, Access

Job description

Lab/Field Technicians perform lab/field work and provide support for a variety of projects, with an expected ratio of 70% lab/field and 30% office work during a typical week. A minimum of 20 hours per week is expected, with opportunities to work up to 40 hours per week depending on project needs.

The Lab/Field Technician I position is an early-career position supporting a variety of environmental services for private and public sector clients. Lab/Field Technicians must be able to follow complex instructions and communicate candidly, professionally, and effectively with a team of professionals.Lab/Field Technicians assist Biologists and Senior Scientists by executing fieldwork and supporting general operations. Lab/Field Technicians are expected to have excellent field data collection and data entry skills (i.e., attention to detail), be self-motivated and conscientious with a strong work ethic, and have the ability to meet deliverable deadlines within the expected timeframes. This position may include assisting with benthic macroinvertebrate collection and sorting, Ichthyoplankton/ meroplankton collection and sorting, benthic resource surveys (e.g., coral/sponges, oyster, and submerged aquatic vegetation), water quality monitoring, aquatic organism collection and processing, freshwater habitat assessments, stream condition index collections, sediment analysis, boat operations, drone operations, equipment deployment and retrieval, database entry, and report table development. Other tasks may be assigned as needed to support new projects and individual professional development.

The ideal candidate possesses the following knowledge, skills, and qualifications:

• 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, SCUBA certification preferred).
• 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.
• Ability to meet deliverable deadlines within the expected timeframes.
• 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.
• (Plus) Experience with taxonomic identification (e.g., aquatic worms, fish, ichthyoplankton, crustaceans, meroplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, aquatic insects, submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation, phytoplankton, etc.).
• (Plus) Experience trailering, launching/retrieving and operating a boat.
• (Plus) Experience with technical writing.
• (Plus) FAA Remote Pilot (Drone) Part 107 license.

General position duties and responsibilities may include (but are not limited to) the following activities:

• 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.

Position requirements include a B.S. degree in the environmental/biological sciences with at least two years of related professional experience.

The Lab/Field Technician I position is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. The anticipated starting pay range for this position is $21.00 to $25.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. This position reports daily from our Jensen Beach office.

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Paid Time Off (PTO), medical insurance, retirement plan, bonus opportunities, professional development support, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Drug Free Workplace

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.