Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Taxonomist

Normandeau is seeking a full-time, experienced Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Taxonomist to support our ecological laboratory at our Stowe, PA office. This position primarily involves laboratory and office work, with occasional field responsibilities. On an annual basis, duties are typically performed in a laboratory or office setting approximately 70% of the time, with the remaining 30% dedicated to fieldwork. During the field season (generally April through October), field responsibilities may increase.

Laboratory and office work is conducted year-round and generally follows a standard 8-hour workday. Field assignments, may require consecutive days working outdoors alongside a field crew in a variety of weather conditions, including potentially remote or physically challenging environments. Field days typically range from 8 to 12 hours and may include irregular schedules, extended hours, and weekend work.

Overnight travel and extended assignments in other states may be needed, depending on project needs.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Sample Processing, Identification, and Analysis
  • Process collected samples in preparation for identification. This may include, but is not limited to, sorting and/or subsampling following standard protocols.
  • Identify freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates to the family, genus, or species level using taxonomic keys and microscopy from samples collected from freshwater water bodies of the eastern United States.
  • Maintain and organize a reference collection of specimens to ensure taxonomic accuracy.
  • Perform quality control and validation of identification data to ensure consistency and reliability in results and analysis.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment or supply inventory and ensure proper storage.
• Field Work and Surveys
  • Collect samples from streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands using a variety of standard sampling techniques.
  • Ensure proper handling, preservation, and labeling of collected specimens following established protocols.
  • Assess and document habitat conditions, including instream characteristics such as substrate composition, flow regime, and water depth.
  • Maintain field equipment ensuring proper cleaning, storage, and transport.
• Data Management and Reporting
  • Tabulate, manage, and analyze data using MS Excel.
  • Assist with report writing and preparation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA in zoology, environmental science, biology, or similar focus.
• 1 year of experience with freshwater macroinvertebrate taxonomy.
• Specific experience with identification of freshwater invertebrates from benthic habitats.
• Experienced with the use of compound and dissecting microscopes and taxonomic keys.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Physical ability to work in outdoor field conditions, including wading in streams and rivers and carrying equipment.
• Organizational skills to manage workload and the ability to assist with multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Must be able to successfully complete a HAZWOPER medical evaluation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification as a Taxonomist by the Society for Freshwater Science.
• Field work experience.
• Small boat handling experience.

Salary: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour. Rate is negotiable with higher levels for experience.

Benefits:

• Medical (with HRA), Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer paid LTD and Basic Life
• Optional additional life insurance
• 401k with employer match
• ESOP program
• 2 personal days a year
• 11 paid holidays a year
• 1 volunteer day a year
• Accrued vacation and sick time

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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