Seasonal Aquatic Technician

Bio-West Inc; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 23,419 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consulting firm in San Marcos, Texas is seeking a Seasonal Aquatic Technician to conduct fieldwork primarily involving freshwater mussel and fisheries surveys. This role combines approximately 80% fieldwork with 20% office duties until fall 2026. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have experience with Texas fish and mussels. Desired attributes include a passion for ecology and readiness for outdoor work in diverse conditions, with a salary range of $17 to $22 per hour depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Enjoy spending time outdoors and comfortable working long hours.
• Experience identifying Texas fish and mussels is preferred.
• Passion for ecology and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting surveys, relocations, and applied research.
• Engage in population monitoring related to freshwater mussels and fishes.
• Travel to remote areas for fieldwork as required.

Skills

Experience in freshwater mussel surveys

Knowledge of fisheries sampling techniques

Operating and maintaining small boats

SCUBA certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Tools

Electrofishing gear

Outboard motors

Kayaks

Job description

General Description: BIO-WEST, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Seasonal Aquatic Technician with experience in freshwater mussel and/or fisheries surveys to join our team based in San Marcos, Texas. This is a seasonal position that will consist of approximately 80% fieldwork and 20% office work through fall 2026. Experience with Texas freshwater mussels and/or fishes, or similar taxa in other regions, is preferred. This position will assist BIO-WEST biologists in conducting surveys, relocations, applied research, and population monitoring related to freshwater mussels and fishes throughout Texas and beyond. Although fieldwork will be focused within freshwater systems of Texas, there is potential for occasional work throughout the south and intermountain west. The successful applicant will also assist with other BIO-WEST projects involving herps, birds, mammals, aquatic invertebrates, coastal ecology, or aquatic plants, as necessary.

Preferred qualifications: The successful applicant should enjoy spending time outdoors and be comfortable working long hours in the Texas heat. A bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, Wildlife and Fisheries Science, or a related field is preferred. Knowledge of common freshwater mussel and fisheries sampling techniques and experience identifying Texas fish and mussels is preferred. Technical skills in operating and maintaining small boats, outboard motors, kayaks, and electrofishing gear are also advantageous. SCUBA certification preferred but not required. Although these desired skills are important, most of all, BIO-WEST wants someone who truly has a passion for ecology and is excited to learn.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Must be comfortable wading, snorkeling, diving, and boating in Texas streams, rivers, and lakes that experience a wide range of conditions. Must be willing to work extended and irregular hours on occasion, including weekends and evenings, in remote locations in inclement weather. This position will require travel to remote areas to conduct field work for several days at a time. Must have ability to work as part of a team with team members of varying backgrounds and skill levels.

Salary: $17 – $22/hr (all hours paid, plus overtime), commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.

To apply for this position, please send letter of interest, CV or resumé, and contact information for 3 professional references to Dana Sands:

BIO-WEST, Inc.
1063 West 1400 North
Logan, UT 84321-2291
Ph: 435.752.4202.
Email: [e-mail]

For specific inquiries about the position, please contact Brad Littrell ([e-mail]).

Review of applications will start immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Desired start date is between April 1, 2026, and May 15, 2026, but potentially flexible for the right applicant.

LOGAN OFFICE