Seasonal Biologist

Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) 📍 Based in Cincinnati, OH — Fieldwork across the Ohio River Basin 🗓 June 1 – November 6, 2026 📅 Apply by March 15, 2026

About ORSANCO

The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is an interstate water pollution control agency responsible for monitoring the Ohio River’s water quality and coordinating environmental efforts across member states.

About the Position

ORSANCO is hiring full-time Seasonal Biologists to support biological monitoring of the Ohio River and its major tributaries. This hands-on position assists with field work, data collection, equipment maintenance, logistics, and quality assurance as part of ORSANCO’s Biological Programs.

You’ll work on a team collecting: 🐟 Fish community data 🦗 Macroinvertebrate samples 🌿 Habitat assessments 💧 Water quality measurements

Travel occurs throughout the Ohio River Basin (Pittsburgh, PA → Cairo, IL).

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field sampling following ORSANCO standard operating procedures
  • Much of the work is conducted on the main stem Ohio River and includes night time boat electrofishing, habitat assessment, and water quality sampling
• Assist with field planning, equipment prep, and daily operations
• Perform data entry and QA/QC
• Maintain boats, trailers, and sampling gear
• Work long days outdoors in variable weather
• Represent ORSANCO during field interactions

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or related field
• Knowledge of aquatic ecology or water quality (preferred)
• Clean driving record; trailer-towing experience is a plus
• Experience or comfort operating watercraft (preferred)
• Ability to travel Monday–Friday throughout much of the field season (travel expenses covered)
• Physically fit for fieldwork;
  must be able to swim

Safety training (First Aid, CPR, AED) is provided.

Compensation

💵 $16/hr 💵 $24/hr overtime (based on a 40-hr workweek) ✔ Covered under Ohio Workers’ Compensation ✖ No healthcare benefits (seasonal role)

How to Apply

Submit your cover letter, resume/CV, and references by March 15, 2026 to Rob Tewes . Please describe how your experience aligns with the position requirements.

Applicants must at minimum possess a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science or a related field.

Knowledge of aquatic ecology or water quality (Preferred)

Applicants must possess and maintain a clean driving record. Trailer towing experience preferred.

Experience or comfort operating watercraft (preferred)

Ability to work within a team over long hours in inclement conditions.

Ability to travel Monday–Friday throughout much of the field season (travel expenses covered)

Physically fit for fieldwork; must be able to swim

All candidates must agree to adhere to ORSANCO safety guidelines and policies. Contractual staff are expected to perform all work as directed by ORSANCO staff and must comply with all ORSANCO protocols relating to safety and wellness. First aid, CPR, and AED training will be provided.

$16.00 / hour, $24.00 / hour overtime based on a 40 hour workweek, Seasonal Biologists are covered under Ohio Workers Compensation. No healthcare benefits are included due to the temporary nature of this position.