Algal Taxonomist

EnviroScience, Inc., headquartered in Stow, Ohio, with additional offices in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, is a niche provider of environmental consulting services. We employ over 160 highly skilled and technical employees that develop unique, cost-effective solutions for our clients' environmental, infrastructure and regulatory needs. Our clients repeatedly choose EnviroScience because of our technical expertise, client advocacy, high quality work, and outstanding reputation with regulators and industry executives.

EnviroScience is seeking a fulltime Algal Taxonomist for our Stow, Ohio office.The Algal Taxonomist at EnviroScience is responsible for identifying and classifying algal species from various environmental samples, contributing to ecological studies, environmental impact assessments, and water quality monitoring. This role involves detailed analysis using microscopy, spectrophotometry, and data interpretation to support environmental consulting services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Algal Identification & Classification

* Identify and classify algae to the genus and species level using microscopy techniques.

* Maintain an accurate database of algal species identified, including ecological and morphological characteristics.

* Use of Spectrophotometric equipment for pigment analysis.

Sample Collection & Preparation

* Provide guidance for the collection of water samples from field sites.

* Prepare and process samples for microscopic examination and molecular analysis.

Data Analysis & Reporting

* Analyze data and contribute to technical reports and environmental assessments.

* Provide recommendations based on algal community structure and water quality data.

Research & Development

* Stay current with advancements in algal taxonomy and related fields.

* Develop and refine identification keys and methodologies for algal analysis.

Quality Assurance & Control

* Ensure the accuracy and reliability of taxonomic identifications and data entry.

* Participate in inter-laboratory comparison studies to validate methodologies.

Client Communication & Collaboration

* Work closely with clients to understand project needs and provide clear, accurate reports.

* Collaborate with other scientists and project managers within EnviroScience.

Position Work Environment: Independently working with minimal supervision in a laboratory setting. Collaboration/harmonization with other taxonomists required for best practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Education: B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Ecology, or a related field with a focus on Phycology or Aquatic Ecology.

* Experience: 2+ years of experience in algal taxonomy, preferably in a consulting or laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience:

o Experience with environmental consulting and familiarity with EPA methods and water quality standards.

o Experience with LIMS system software and ecological data interpretation.

o Strong understanding of freshwater ecosystems and aquatic ecology.

o Proficiency in using microscopy and spectrophotometric techniques for algal identification.

Desired Skills:

* In-depth knowledge of algal taxonomy, ecology, and identification techniques.

* Familiarity with molecular identification methods.

* Strong data analysis skills, including statistical methods and ecological modeling.

* Ability to interpret complex data and communicate findings clearly.

* High level of accuracy in sample analysis and data recording.

* Meticulous approach to identifying and cataloging algal species.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and client interactions.

* Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.

* Willingness to stay updated on the latest research and techniques in algal taxonomy and aquatic ecology.