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Position Announcement
Position Available: Senior Research Associate
Work Location: The MBI office is in Hilliard, Ohio – a suburb west of Columbus. Project work includes advanced data analysis, report writing, conducting research, leading crews sampling riverine and stream fish assemblages, and functional supervision of junior level staff and seasonal field technicians.
Project Description:
- Senior team member for MBI’s approach to analyzing and synthesizing large, regional or statewide datasets dealing with complex relationships between biological and chemical/physical variables.
- Write watershed biological and water quality assessment reports following established MBI formats. Become familiar with state water quality standards in terms of technical content and administrative rule processes.
- Conduct research on complex topics primarily with regional datasets involving biological, physical, chemical, and GIS data on river drainages and stream watersheds. Must be fully capable in R, in the use of GIS platforms such as ArcGIS, ability to decipher land use coverages, develop river and stream basin/watershed maps, using StreamCat, and ability to synthesize complex relationships between biological and chemical/physical variables using novel analytical techniques.
- Occasionally lead a 3-person field crew that collects fish assemblage data in rivers and streams primarily in the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeastern Regions of the U.S. Responsible for following U.S. EPA and State methods and quality assurance practices. Safely and effectively operate electrofishing equipment, 4WD trucks, boats and outboard motors. Independently carries out detailed plans of study, supervises crew members, and ensures proper safety practices and care and maintenance of all sampling gear and vehicles. Responsible for collection and custody of data, including data tabulation on electronic tables, data sheets, and ancillary forms. Must be able to accurately maintain records and expense documents. Field work will be largely limited to day trips and occasionally over multiple days with overnight lodging. Conducts site evaluations, manages data, and maintains field equipment.
- Employment with MBI is “at will”.
Qualifications:
- Able to work independently, with strong organizational and leadership skills.
- A minimum of 8 years of experience in a related field.
- Knowledge and experience with advanced data analysis skills including novel analytical techniques.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills, able to effectively supervise field and office personnel, and maintain a positive team environment.
- Able to ensure safe practices.
- Able to identify fish to species level in each survey area and be subject to approval by U.S. EPA.
- Either has or will pursue Level 3 Qualified Data Collector status under Ohio Credible Data Program law and regulations (for lead fish taxonomist credentials).
- Able to carry out all sampling and data collection in accordance with specified methods and a detailed study plan.
- Have knowledge of and/or experience with rivers and streams, boating, canoeing, navigation, and water safety in general.
- Able to maintain a variable work schedule, including irregular hours and occasional overnight travel and weekends during the summer-early fall field season.
- Able to safely operate electrofishing equipment, 4WD trucks, boats, and outboard motors, oversee equipment care and the proper handling and use, including hydrologic and water quality equipment.
- Able to organize and complete multiple and varied work tasks within specified timeframes.
Compensation and Benefits:
The starting pay range is $30-$40/hr. or above, commensurate with experience and Level 3 QDC status. Benefits include the following:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Benefits
- Retirement Plan
- Vacation, Holiday and Sick Leave
- Flexible Work Schedule
Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and proof of auto insurance.
Period of Employment: Beginning late 2024 or early 2025.
Employee Testimonials
As a Water Chemistry Assistant Crew Lead, I was afforded the opportunity to sharpen several important skills. One of these skills included management, and not necessarily people, because I had a wonderful partner, but in time management with projects, coordination with members of the lab, communication with my supervisor and with the other crews, and organizational practices. I was also able to learn important processes when it comes to water collection, deployment and retrieval of datasondes, the steps behind collecting and handling chlorophyll samples, and how to collect sediment. Being able to spend all of my time outdoors, doing all of this important work, with an amazing company and group of people, is something that I will forever be grateful for.
-Wesley Hall, Assistant Water Chemistry Crew Leader, 2022
MBI helped me improve my skills and credentials as a fisheries biologist. These skillsand credentials I gained while working at MBI has led me to additional exciting employment opportunities. As an assistant crew leader, I gained the valuable experience in leadership while working in the field in beautiful and remote settings. While working hard in the field I also forged bonds that turned other crew members into lifelong friends. Working at MBI was a privilege and an experience that I will notforget.
-Alex Roth, Assistant Crew Leader, 2019
Working at MBI was truly the best work experience I have ever had. It gave me a greater understanding of what I learned in the classroom and how to apply it in the field. Their training courses make you excited to work in and learn about aquatic ecology. Every day was exciting, educational and an adventure that I will always remember.
-Frank DePalma, Field Technician, 2019
"Employment at MBI is an ideal opportunity for those seeking a gateway to a career in biological field work or for those who are seeking to expand upon their current set of skills. You will travel extensively, learn to use research equipment and vehicles, and work with experienced and knowledgeable science professionals. Every day will bring something new, exciting, and often unexpected. It is a unique and invaluable experience."
-Adrian Brougher, Field Technician, 2017
“My experience at MBI was exactly what I needed to help me jumpstart my career in the field of environment and natural resources. The skills I learned in aquatic and fisheries sciences have helped me stand out in my career development and I am so thankful that I was able to take part in this opportunity. Traveling around the midwest I was able to learn and take part in several opportunities while interacting with a great group of colleagues. I truly do feel privileged to have worked for MBI and hope that other recent graduates and applicants have the same positive experience that I did!”
-Matt Murphy, Field Technician, 2016
“Working at MBI was one of the best work experiences I've ever had. I gained so many new skills that are so valuable in the fisheries field and had the chance to work with patient, kind, and fun people. My summer with MBI gave me more confidence as a developing biologist and I am so thankful for having had the chance to work with such a truly great group of people.”
-Julia Backus, Field Technician, 2014
My time as a field technician was a great way to start my career in aquatic ecology. I was able to expand my knowledge and my skill sets while working with some really knowledgeable people in the field. No two days of work were the same which made it such a unique and fun experience. Working for MBI was an opportunity I will always be thankful for.
-Sam Finnerty, Field Technician, 2020
Working at MBI was as a field technician was a great way to start my career. I learned and gained a lot of different field work techniques while exploring nature in many different northeastern states. It allowed me not only to conduct biological research but make new friends while doing so. After working at MBI, I can share and use my experiences as I further my career as a biologist with others.
-Victoria Tomko, Assistant Crew Leader, 2018
“Working with MBI this summer was one of the best summers I have had. The people in crew, and everyone else, were great to work and live with. Its hard to beat having a job where you learn a lot, have fun, and help conduct meaningful research.”
-Tyson Kurtz, Field Technician, 2016
“I feel privileged to have been a part of MBI to positively impact the environment this past sample season. I developed a new appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and how much we take it for granted. I have learned so much and would not have traded this opportunity for the world.”
-Chris Dague, Field Technician, 2013
“Working at MBI was a pleasure from the very first day. I was able to gain valuable work experience while enjoying the outdoors. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for MBI”
-Emily Logan, Field Technician, 2013
“Working with MBI made me feel like I was part of a family. They gave me the most educational, exciting, and professional work experience I could ever expect from an employer. I am forever thankful for having the opportunity of working with MBI.”
-Chris Fullerton, Field Technician, 2012
“MBI was a great company to work for. The 'family' atmosphere made it easy to do great work with wonderful people. I did more traveling this past field season than I have any of my adult life and I couldn't think of a much better way to have done so”
-Tyler Davis, Field Technician, 2013-2014