Natural Resources Field Technician

Description

Position Summary
The Natural Resources Field Technician is responsible for assisting with fieldwork related to aquatic ecology, including the assessment of aquatic systems, monitoring water quality, and analyzing aquatic habitats. The position involves significant fieldwork alongside a team of biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists, offering hands-on experience in field surveys, ecological studies, and data management to help assess the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and natural habitats. This position may also include other natural resources project work including, but not limited to, wetland assessments and species inventory surveys. Requirements of this position include but are not limited to field work and data management while also offering the opportunity to assist with other project efforts such as laboratory work and other aquatic survey or natural resources services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Fieldwork and Surveys
• Assist with biological assessments in freshwater and marine systems, including fish and macroinvertebrate communities.
• Collect water and sediment samples for analysis using a variety of scientific instruments.
• Identify aquatic species using taxonomic guides and laboratory analysis, focusing on the fauna of the midwestern and eastern United States.
• Gather field data using GPS units, data sheets, and electronic devices.
• Assist with other field work or natural resources project work, as needed.

Data Management
• Organize, input, and manage ecological data using software like Excel and other database tools.
• Ensure accurate documentation of field activities, including photography and note-taking.
Project Assistance
• Communicate effectively with field crew and team leads.
• Ensure that all fieldwork and project activities follow approved study plans and federal, state, and/or local environmental assessment protocols.
 

Work Environment
This position consists of predominantly field work and should expect to work 75-100% in the field. Field work assignments may include consecutive days outdoors working with a field crew in all types of weather conditions and sometimes in remote and challenging locations. A typical field workday consists of 8-12 hours which may include irregular hours and weekend work. Overnight travel and working for extended periods (up to 2-3 weeks at a time) in different states is project specific but will be required. Office work assignments may include field preparation, data management, or equipment maintenance and may consist of up to an 8-hour day.

This position is a hybrid role, meaning employees will work a schedule which includes field work and office work on location in Stow, OH or other regional offices.

This position is expected to report to the office for office-based work or mobilization for field work, however, consideration will be given to those who cannot report to an EnviroScience office location. All employees’ work schedules and availabilities must be provided in a timely manner to managers. Standard office equipment and space will be provided to work in the office.
 

Working Conditions:
• Office
• Overnight travel 
• On-site work, outdoors
• Long periods of driving
• Overnight and some weekend travel can be expected

Supervisor Responsibilities:
• None

Physical Requirements:
• Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
• Occasionally may need to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.
• Must be able to complete work by standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching
• Working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Walking for periods of time including maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain
• Heavy work that includes moving, lifting, and carrying objects up to 50 lbs., or more

Travel Requirements:
• % of travel time: can be up to 100%; varies with fluctuations in workload and work location
 

Qualifications

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: Enrolled in or recently graduated from a bachelor’s program in natural science field of study
• Experience: Familiarity with basic ecological principles and practices, including field work or study.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience:
• Hands-on experience conducting aquatic field surveys, water quality monitoring, and habitat assessments for fish and/or benthic macroinvertebrates.
• Familiarity with ecological field equipment, such as GPS units and water quality meters.
• Familiarity with field and laboratory identification of fish to species.
• Experience with on-water work / boat operations
• Experience with in-water work, wading in streams with variable flow and depths
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desired Skills:
• Strong skills in conducting detailed field surveys.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under direct supervision of field crew leaders in a team environment.
• High attention to detail in data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Experience with data management systems, mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS), and field survey technology.
• Flexibility to handle changes in schedule, location, and project scope based on field conditions and project needs.