Environmental Institute of Houston seeks Research Associate – Fish Taxonomist

TITLE: Research Associate – Fish Taxonomist
CLASSIFICATION: Temporary full-time, benefits eligible position
AGENCY: Environmental Institute of Houston
WEBSITE: www.eih.uhcl.edu

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Environmental Institute of Houston (EIH) at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is conducting the 2023-2024 National Rivers and Streams Assessment in Texas. This project is in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and its contractors. The goal of this assessment is to evaluate the condition of flowing waters by collecting field data related to physical habitat, fish assemblages, macrobenthic invertebrate communities, and water quality. The EIH is currently recruiting up to two full-time, benefits eligible Freshwater Fish Taxonomists with the position(s) anticipated to end in late December 2024 (approximately 22 months). All work will be based out of Houston; thus, the incumbent will be required to have local lodging accommodations, but extensive travel is required to conduct field work in Texas’ wadeable and boatable rivers and streams.

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring fisheries taxonomist interested in freshwater fish assemblage field data collection. The Fish Taxonomist(s) will be responsible for identification of all fish collected (to species level whenever possible), coordination with USEPA and their contracted data recipients, and data compilation (including quality control) related to fish assemblages documented at each site. Additionally, the Fish Taxonomist(s) will be responsible for operation/maintenance of various field and laboratory equipment, driving university vehicles, vessels, and trailers. The Fish taxonomist will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, technicians, and graduate students to conduct field work in sometimes remote locations between April and September of each sampling year. Applicants must be able to conduct physically demanding work during high-heat and humidity and be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. of equipment.

LOCATION: Based in Houston, TX; includes state-wide travel throughout Texas
SALARY: $40,000/year (commensurate with experience; temporary 1.0FTE, benefits eligible); travel expenses during field work covered by grant funds (relocation expenses not provided)

QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants should possess or be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree or higher in fisheries ecology, biology, environmental science or a closely related field. Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in freshwater fish identification skills through experience and course-work. Applicants must be willing to travel; but are required to have lodging in the Houston area for office-based activities between sampling trips.

Additionally, a successful candidate will:
Required
• Travel up to 14 days at a time and work long hours (10+) in the field during summer months.
• Be in good physical condition, able to lift 50 lbs., traverse steep/rough terrain, and be comfortable
working from a boat, canoe, or kayak.
• Possess a positive attitude, and willing to work independently and as a member of a team
• Have previous experience with common fish sampling techniques (e.g., electrofishing, seining, and
preservation) and/or collection of environmental data associated with freshwater aquatic ecology.
• Be proficient in Texas freshwater fish identification, or have ability to learn quickly.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate field/laboratory environmental/biological data collection equipment,
including vehicles, vessels, and trailers.
Preferred
• Oversight in scientific data collection, entry, quality control, basic data analyses, and report compilation
• Experience conducting riverine (wadeable and/or boatable) biological monitoring assessments.
• Experience with additional aquatic organism collection and preservation.
• Experience leading small teams of research staff and students in collection of environmental and
biological data collection.

Additional Notes: Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license, be physically able to drive university vehicles, and must pass a criminal background and motor vehicle background check prior to hiring. This is a full time, temporary, grant-funded position.

PRIMARY CONTACT: Mandi Gordon, gordon@uhcl.edu *e-mail preferred
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: April 2023 – December 2024 (approximately 21-month appointment; start date on 1st or 16th of first month dependent on prompt and proper completion of hiring paperwork)
ANTICIPATED START DATE: April 16, 2023
ANTICIPATED END DATE: Dec. 20, 2024 (contingent on contract termination date)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 5, 2023
HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must access the UHCL TALEO application portal through this link (link will redirect to the UHCL TALEO system job posting titled “Research Associate”). Candidates should plan to submit a cover letter, current resume, and contact info for three references. Once all materials have been submitted, please forward the confirmation email to Mandi Gordon (gordon@uhcl.edu) including the PDF of your submitted documents.