Aquatic Biologist

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Aquatic Biologist to join our team at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. As an Aquatic Biologist, you will be responsible for conducting biological, habitat, and water quality monitoring and assessments to meet regulatory objectives and evaluate aquatic resources in the urban waterways impacted by District operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct biological, habitat, and water quality monitoring and assessments to meet regulatory objectives and evaluate aquatic resources in the urban waterways impacted by District operations.
• Supervise collections of fish and benthic invertebrates from the waterways in the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Supervise collection of water and sediment samples in aquatic systems, including the operation of in situ water quality monitors.
• Supervise laboratory analysis of biological samples collected in the field, including the identification of benthic invertebrates and fish, and weighing, measuring, and examining fish for disease.
• Supervise laboratory analysis of water samples for chlorophyll.
• Process or supervise the processing of field and laboratory data and generates reports.
• Supervise and participate in applied environmental monitoring projects.
• Write reports summarizing and interpreting the results of biological and chemical water quality assessments.
• Instruct and train laboratory or field personnel in approved field collection methods, laboratory processing of biological organisms, and data analysis methods.
• Review and comment on local water quality-related regulatory documents with regard to potential impacts on the District.
• Provide technical support to other departments regarding water quality issues.

Requirements

• Graduation from a four year accredited college or university majoring in biology or one of the biological sciences.
• Two years of experience in aquatic biology or a closely related field.