Biologist II; Hybrid

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.

The work environment 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 position requires living 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. The role requires experience conducting field sampling of aquatic biological communities, including collecting and identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates, proficiency in identifying organisms to the appropriate taxonomic level, and experience with contaminants in aquatic systems, particularly metals and metalloids.

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.

• 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 system 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.
• Extensive outdoor work (>50%) in remote settings, including walking on uneven terrain, wading streams, and lifting moderate loads in variable weather conditions.
• Willingness and ability to conduct occasional overnight fieldwork.