Trainee Aquatic Biologist
Trainee Aquatic Biologist
Lakeland Biologists – Southeastern Wisconsin
Full-Time | Entry-Level Career Path
Start your career managing real lakes and ponds — not just collecting samples.
This is a full-time training role designed to develop graduates into professional aquatic biologists, not a temporary technician or laboratory position.
You will work alongside experienced biologists diagnosing ecosystem conditions and learning how management decisions are made in the field.
What You Will Learn
- Aquatic plant and algae identification in natural settings
- Evaluating pond and lake health conditions
- Recommending management strategies based on observations
- Applying biological and chemical treatments
- Operating boats and small equipment
- Advising property owners on ecosystem improvements
- Writing field notes and management reports
Training is structured — you are not expected to know everything immediately.
Why This Role Is Different
Many environmental graduates spend years collecting samples before being trusted with decisions.
At Lakeland Biologists, trainees learn to understand ecosystems, not just measure them.
You will:
- Participate in real management decisions
- Communicate with clients professionally
- Develop independent judgement
- See the results of your work on every site visit
This position is designed to transition into a full Aquatic Biologist role.
Work Environment
- Primarily outdoor field work (spring–fall)
- First year focused on full-season training
- Future winter work opportunities after progression
- No laboratory work
- No weekend field schedules
- Typical workdays ≈ 8 hours
Qualifications
Preferred Majors
Environmental Science
Fisheries & Wildlife Ecology
Freshwater Sciences
Biology
Natural Resources
Ecology or related field
Helpful but Not Required
Plant ID coursework
Field research experience
Boat operation familiarity
Customer interaction experience
Requirements
Valid driver’s license and clean record
Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions
Interest in applied ecology (not purely research-focused)
Compensation & Growth
$20 – $25 per hour starting wage
Benefits include:
Paid training and mentorship
Hands-on ecological experience across hundreds of water bodies
Potential year-round role after first season based on progression
Ideal Candidate
Students who enjoy:
Field biology over laboratory work
Applied environmental problem solving
Working independently outdoors
Seeing tangible results of ecological management
Apply
Send resume and brief introduction to
info@lakelandbiologists.com
Tell us why you want to work in applied environmental management rather than traditional research.