Biological Science Technician

About Us:

MTM Environmental, LLC is a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business (“WOSB”) environmental consulting firm providing a wide range of ecological services for private landowners, land managers, entities, and organizations, such as wildlife surveys, stream sampling, vegetation surveys, environmental DNA sampling, land management planning, conservation easement and baseline documentation reports, mapping, wetland delineations, environmental site assessments, and drone imagery operations, among others. Since our launch in 2021, we have completed numerous projects across the Southeast, Midwest, and Western U.S.

MTM Environmental, LLC conducts a variety of environmental assessments, generating accompanying reports and deliverables to the clients. The main task of the Biological Science Technician will be to assist with the field sampling and flora species reporting on protected lands. This includes rare plants, non-native invasive plants, wildlife surveys, timber cruising, and other tasks.

General Description:

The Biological Science Technician position is a full-time, term position responsible for conducting fieldwork, species identification, and reports related to habitat assessments, plant surveys, and other reports as needed. The responsibilities include gathering project materials, conducting environmental field assessments, plant species identification and documentation, photographs, maps, and written reports. Projects include federal government lands in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, among others.

For forestry projects, responsibilities include obtaining the site, setting, and tree characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities in providing the Government information with which management determinations for natural resources will be made. This includes traversing to predetermined locations, installing variable radius and fixed radius plots, and documenting the findings. Depending upon the project, some projects require the boring of multiple trees per plot, while others require only per stand, to obtain site index and growth data. The position will entail a significant amount of fieldwork during the term.

The main objective of this position is to complete a wide variety of field projects. These projects may range from surveys for rare and threatened plants, and/or non-native invasive plants, as well as general land management planning on various tracts, to timber cruises and common stand exams. Other projects may include wildlife surveys, including the use of bioacoustics recording equipment.

The Biological Science Technician must have experience and training with taxonomic keys, and formal education related to species identification. Much of this work requires field orientation, long hours, navigating diverse and difficult terrain, working independently in remote areas, significant travel, plant identification, operating a GPS, exceptional organization and note taking while in the field, and the ability to carry up to 40 lbs. All activities must be conducted by methods in compliance with the MTM Standard Operating Procedures and the Employee Handbook. The Biological Science Technician works in conjunction with other staff and provides support and assistance with conservation projects. At any given time, multiple projects may be underway concurrently. This position is an entry level position with many opportunities for professionals that are just beginning their career, to try many different areas of study, to gain perspective and direction.

This position requires individuals who are comfortable working independently in remote environments, possess forest mensuration experience, possess tree identification skills, and have strong field navigation and data collection skills, physical and mental capabilities to hike off trail up to 10 miles/day often in hot temperatures, and willingness to car camp often in remote areas with no cell service or facilities.

MTM will provide pertinent training, protocols, survey equipment (if needed), and safety gear (e.g., snake chaps, bear spray, first-aid kit, etc.) to technicians at the beginning of the season, before beginning fieldwork. Compensation is based on experience and varies by location. Weekly work schedules are flexible, largely determined on survey completion rate and weather. The work period (season) is also negotiable

Responsibilities  

• Conduct field assessments and botanical/wildlife surveys in accordance with established protocols and project guidelines.
• Identify and document plant species, including noxious weeds, using field guides and taxonomic keys.
• Assess vegetation communities and habitat conditions, recording data on plant abundance, density, and health.
• Identify and document wildlife species using field guides and taxonomic keys.
• Locate, establish, measure, and record data using variable plot data (10/20/30 BAF) at designated sample locations using standardized CSE protocols (provided and available online).
• In addition to Plot/Tree Data, other meaningful information will be captured when appropriate, including tree data (species, DBH, height) regeneration, non-native invasive species, raptor nests, stand inclusions, forest health concerns, and others.
• Collect and analyze field data, including GPS coordinates, photographs, and detailed field notes, as well as utilization of Survey123 and Avenza Maps.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure accurate and efficient data collection and reporting.
• Adhere to safety protocols and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Must be capable of significant travel. Ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer, operation of off-road vehicles and kayaks for field work, or the ability to learn these skills, in order to include a complete ecological and photographical inventory of each property.
• Accurately record and document field data, ensuring precision and attention to detail, following survey protocols.
• Submit data (datasheets, photos, GPS, and GIS data, etc.) and timesheets to project lead on a timely basis, as requested.
• Maintain and troubleshoot field equipment, including optics, GPS devices, cameras, personal computer/tablet, and cell phones..
• Hike long distances off trail in rugged terrain on a regular basis, often in hot temperatures.
• Car camp daily, often without cell service or facilities.

General Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or seeking) in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in plant identification or the ability to learn quickly.
• Strong understanding of ecological concepts and survey methodologies.
• Previous experience conducting wilderness surveys and botanical assessments preferred.
• Proficiency in using taxonomic keys, field guides, and other resources.
• Excellent outdoor skills, including navigation, map reading, and backcountry camping.
• Ability to work independently in remote locations, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data collection and reporting.
• Proficient in using GPS devices and other field equipment.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with other professionals.
• Field skills for navigating, surveying, and mapping landscapes and features, including an understanding of basic map-reading, compass use, a basic knowledge and understanding of GIS, GPS, and hand-held devices.
• PC competence and fundamental computer programs (Word, Excel).
• Practical problem-solving and organizational skills with attention to detail for record keeping.
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and multiple activities while delivering quality results.
• Ability to hike and perform physical activities such as kneeling, bending, prolonged standing, and carrying a pack up to 40 lbs.
• Comfortable working in inclement weather, extreme temperatures, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants, stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards.
• Comfortable working in remote locations with limited cellular or internet access.
• Ability to travel, often requiring overnight or extended stays. Position requires occasional evening and weekend work. Must be willing to camp 5 – 8-day stints at a time and hike all day on and off trail.

Applicants must possess the following items:

• Hiking, camping, and backpacking gear (including gear for rain, cold, potable water etc.).
• Working laptop/tablet for data entry (Windows based).
• A 4WD/AWD personal vehicle is required. Personal vehicles must be able to handle variable road conditions characteristic of the region, e.g., muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain.

Benefits:

• Compensation is based on experience
• A competitive weekly stipend (rate TBD).
• All work-related mileage, once on-site, incurred in execution of responsibilities using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate.

https://mtmenvironmentalllc.com/about-us/career-opportunities/