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Aquatic Biologist

Angola, Indiana

Description

 

Opening Date:November 10, 2024

Closing Date:January 31, 2025

Job Title:Aquatic Biologist

Salary/Wage:$41,000.00 - $53,000.00

Location:Angola, Indiana


INTRODUCTION:

Our aquatic biologist’s focus will be on carrying out field tasks to support comprehensive lake and pond management programs.  Aquatic pesticide applications, water quality sampling, and aquatic plant community monitoring will form the core set of tasks from April through October, with equipment maintenance, technical writing, and regulatory compliance activities being key in November through March.


DUTIES:

  • Conducts aquatic pesticide applications on lakes, ponds, and wetlands using watercraft-mounted application equipment, unmanned aerial systems (drones), all-terrain vehicles, or handheld equipment.
  • Performs on-water reconnaissance to facilitate GPS mapping of growth patterns for invasive submersed aquatic plants. 
  • Maintains water-quality monitoring programs on lakes, streams, and rivers.
  • Carries out aquatic plant surveys and performs survey data summary, analysis, and report generation.
  • Maintains a variety of equipment, including watercraft trailers, fiberglass and aluminum watercraft, traditional and surface drive outboards, unmanned aerial systems, fleet trucks, and tracked all-terrain vehicles. 
  • Researches, identifies, and writes grants to support client projects.  Projects may include aquatic plant management, water-quality monitoring, sediment removal planning, and wetland habitat improvement programs.
  • Participates in public meetings to present project progress reports, facilitate community learning, and assess community needs with regard to project direction.
  • Connects with industry peers, client organizations, and the local community, presenting project information and sharing educational insights at conferences, meetings, and public and private workshops. 

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Fisheries Management, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Limnology, or equivalent.


Knowledge of:

  • The principles of aquatic system ecology.
  • The relationship between aquatic system functioning and outdoor recreation.
  • Great Lakes Regional aquatic and wetland plant and animal communities and habitats.
  • The maintenance and operation of internal combustion engines.


Experience in:

  • Launching and handling watercraft under adverse weather conditions.
  • Towing and backing trailers.
  • Performing environmental volumetric calculations.
  • Measuring the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of lakes and streams.
  • Off-road vehicle and ATV operation.
  • The use of computer applications, including MS Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  • Working with community or environmental non-profit organizations.

Ability to:

  • Mix and apply aquatic pesticides in strict accordance with label instructions.
  • Complete concisely written technical reports.
  • Learn to operate unmanned aerial systems for aerial data collection and aerial pesticide applications.
  • Speak effectively to convey complex ideas and concepts to a variety of audiences.
  • Maintain open communication and an authentic connection with coworkers in a fast-paced work environment or under adverse outdoor working conditions.
  • Deal tactfully and authentically with the public and work harmoniously with various public and other entities, including non-profit organizations and local, state, and federal agencies.
  • Learn to use aerial imagery and ESRI ArcMap, AutoCAD, or other GIS software for use in habitat analysis. 

Other:

  • Be in good physical condition; be able to ascend and descend steep slopes; be willing to work in heavy brush, remote locations, soft marshlands, and inclement weather.
  • Be willing to perform strenuous physical labor, including repeatedly lifting over 50 lbs. or carrying 50 lb. backpacks and other equipment through forests and marshlands.
  • Possess a persistent, passionate interest in lakes and their management that leads to a depth of knowledge acquired over time.
  • Persist in the desire for a clean, orderly workplace and well-tuned equipment.
  • Be willing to work independently and alone in the outdoors extensively.
  • Be able to research, learn, and plan independently, working toward project goals.
  • Willingness to work odd hours, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends as necessary to complete project goals.
  • Must possess a valid state driver's license and insurance.
  • Must be able to attain pesticide licensing in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan in aquatic and aerial application categories.
  • Must be able to achieve FAA Remote Pilot Certification.