Biologist II; Hybrid Bozeman, MT Posted

ASE is looking to hire a Biologist II to join the team supporting the USCG. The Biologist II will work as part of multidisciplinary teams addressing ecological conditions, contaminant pathways, and biological community response to metals and other stressors. Studies involve extensive field sampling, taxonomic identification, and integration of biological, chemical, and hydrologic data.

The USGS conducts research on aquatic contaminants, watershed‑ecosystem processes, and biological integrity in western river basins, with emphasis on the Clark Fork and Kootenai River systems. Work supports national and regional resource managers, including federal, state, and Tribal partners.

includes frequent outdoor scientific fieldwork (>50% during primary sampling seasons) in remote and sometimes harsh conditions, complemented by periods of office and laboratory analysis.

This Hybrid position requires that you live within commuting distance from Bozeman, MT.

The Biologist II shall provide ecological field support, taxonomic identification, contaminant‑pathway sampling, and ecological data management in accordance with USGS protocols, Quality Management Systems, and safety plans.

In the performance of the assigned tasks, the Biologist II shall possess demonstrated experience conducting field sampling of aquatic biological communities, including the collection and taxonomic identification of freshwater macroinvertebrates. The Biologist II must be proficient in identifying these organisms to the appropriate taxonomic level and have experience working with contaminants in aquatic systems, particularly metals and metalloids. The role requires the ability to conduct ecological data analysis using platforms such as R, Python, or comparable analytical tools, as well as familiarity with USGS or similar federal and state biological monitoring protocols.

The Biologist must also be physically capable of working in remote field environments, including wading in streams, carrying field equipment, and operating in adverse weather conditions.

Routine interaction with USGS scientists and collaborators will be necessary for field coordination, study planning, data interpretation, and integration of ecological results with chemical and hydrologic datasets.

• Lead field sampling of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities following standard USGS and state/federal protocols.
• Collect supporting habitat, substrate, and water‑quality data.
• Collect biological, chemical, and physical samples supporting contaminant‑pathway and trophic‑transfer analyses.
• Maintain sample integrity through proper chain of custody, preservation, and metadata documentation.
• Coordinate with project biologists on schedules, sampling locations, and safety plans.

• Conduct sorting, preparation, and identification of biological samples.
• Prepare samples for metals/metalloid analyses under approved QA/QC procedures.
• Ensure laboratory activities meet USGS Quality Management Systems requirements.

• Conduct QA/QC on biological and chemical datasets.
• Integrate biological, chemical, and hydrologic data for use in ecological interpretation.
• Develop figures, tables, and ecological visualizations for reports and presentations.
• Prepare datasets for manuscripts, technical reports, and collaborative data products.

• BS in a Science related field.
• Must be a US Citizen able to pass a company background check.
• 2-4 years of experience in the field or a related area.
• Must be able to work extensively outdoors (>50%) in remote settings. This includes walking on uneven terrain, wading streams, and lifting moderate loads in variable weather conditions.
• Must be willing and able to conduct occasional overnight fieldwork.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability, or have known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us at  or .