Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Ecologist/Biologist
: BIO-WEST, Inc. is seeking a biologist with a strong background in aquatic ecology with a focus on macroinvertebrates. This is a full-time assignment that will consist of approximately 40/40/20 (Laboratory/Field/Office) involving endangered aquatic beetle applied research in a federal laboratory, in addition to fish, freshwater mussels, eels, and invertebrate work throughout Texas and beyond. The primary laboratory research will be based on studies of the endangered Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelmis comalensis) and Comal Springs dryopid beetle (Stygoparnus comalensis) in coordination with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as part of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (EAHCP). These species are a crucial component of the EAHCP and a more thorough understanding of basic life-histories and habitat information is needed to assess long-term biological goals and future plan development. These are small animals 2 – 3 mm in length, but larvae may be less than 1 mm in length. The fieldwork component will focus on endangered species sampling in spring-fed central Texas systems, along with fish, mussels, American eels, and aquatic macroinvertebrate investigations throughout Texas, the southeastern U.S. and intermountain west. The successful applicant will be a highly motivated candidate with interest in conducting and expanding existing research within the framework of the EAHCP with an overall passion for aquatic ecology. The successful applicant may also work on other BIO-WEST projects involving herps, birds, mammals and/or aquatic plants as necessary.
Desired qualifications: Masters of Science or PhD in Freshwater Biology. Knowledge of aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling and processing techniques. Thorough knowledge of operating and maintaining microscopes and stereoscopes. Using imaging software for measuring tiny features on small organisms. Experience in experimental design, snorkeling, kayaking, statistics, and report preparation. Knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, Adobe, R, and other software packages for reporting and analysis.
Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Freshwater Biology or related field, experience working with macroinvertebrates, and a sincere interest to learn the desired qualifications listed above. The successful applicant must be vaccinated for Covid-19. The successful applicant must also be able to pass a drug-screening test as a requirement to work at a federal facility. Strong writing skills, microscope experience, statistics, GIS, SCUBA certification are all pluses, but most of all, BIO-WEST wants someone who truly has a passion for ecology.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands: Must be comfortable wading, snorkeling, and boating in spring fed streams, rivers, and lakes that experience a wide range of conditions. Must have steady hands when working with live endangered invertebrates that are less than 1 mm in length (first instar larvae). Must be willing to work irregular hours on occasion, including weekends and evenings, in various kinds of weather. This position will require travel to remote areas to conduct field work for several days at a time.
Salary 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: dsands@bio-west.com
For specific inquiries about the position, please contact Edmund L. Oborny, Jr. (eoborny@bio-west.com)
Review of applications will start immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. Desired start range is between December 1, 2022 and January 23, 2023, but is flexible for the right applicant.
Benefits
Excellent benefits package (PTO, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, profit sharing, 401K, merit bonuses). Pay commensurate with experience/education.