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$8

$26

$61

How much do cyanobacteria jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cyanobacteria in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria, often referred to as blue-green algae, are a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. They are among the oldest organisms on Earth and are known for their ability to produce oxygen as a byproduct of their photosynthetic process. Cyanobacteria can be found in a variety of environments, including freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. They play a crucial role in the global carbon and nitrogen cycles, but some species can form harmful algal blooms that affect water quality and aquatic life.

What is the difference between Cyanobacteria vs Microbiologist?

AspectCyanobacteriaMicrobiologist
CredentialsNone required; studied in biology and microbiologyBachelor's or higher in microbiology, biology, or related fields; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentNatural aquatic environments, laboratories, research sitesLaboratories, research institutions, healthcare settings
Industry UsageEnvironmental science, ecology, water quality testingHealthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, research

While Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms found in natural environments, microbiologists study microorganisms, including bacteria like Cyanobacteria, in lab and research settings. Microbiologists often analyze Cyanobacteria for environmental or health research, making their roles interconnected but distinct.

What jobs can I do with a biological science degree?

A biological science degree can lead to careers such as microbiologist, research scientist, laboratory technician, environmental consultant, or science educator. These roles often require laboratory skills, knowledge of biological systems, and sometimes specialized certifications or advanced degrees.

What are the main challenges faced by researchers working with cyanobacteria in a laboratory setting?

Researchers working with cyanobacteria often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal growth conditions, preventing contamination from other microorganisms, and ensuring consistent light exposure for photosynthesis. Because cyanobacteria are sensitive to changes in their environment, precise control of temperature, light, and nutrient availability is crucial. Additionally, researchers must regularly monitor cultures and follow strict protocols to produce reproducible results, which can be time-consuming but is essential for successful experiments.

What is a Cyanobacteria job?

A Cyanobacteria job typically involves researching, monitoring, and managing cyanobacteria, which are photosynthetic microorganisms found in aquatic environments. Scientists and researchers in this field study their ecological roles, impacts on water quality, and potential applications in biotechnology. Roles may include laboratory analysis, water sample testing, and developing strategies to mitigate harmful algal blooms. Some positions focus on bioengineering cyanobacteria for uses such as biofuel production or carbon capture.

More about Cyanobacteria jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cyanobacteria jobs? The most popular types of Cyanobacteria jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Cyanobacteria jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cyanobacteria jobs are:
Cyanobacteria jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyanobacteria job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Watershed Planning Program (Water Quality Monitoring Section) Intern - UNPAID

Watershed Planning Program (Water Quality Monitoring Section) Intern - UNPAID

Department of Environmental Protection

Worcester, MA • On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.
Who We Are as an Employer:
At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.
Job Description:
The Watershed Planning Program (WPP) in the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is a statewide program with a mission to protect, enhance, and restore the quality and value of the waters of the Commonwealth. Together with other MassDEP programs and state environmental agencies, WPP shares in the duty and responsibility to secure the environmental, recreational, and public health benefits of clean water for all people of the Commonwealth. WPP routinely collects scientific data from surface waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, estuaries, etc.) across Massachusetts in support of multiple water quality management objectives under the federal Clean Water Act. WPP uses these water quality data, as well as data and information from its partners, to support the development of new and revised water quality criteria in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, assess and report on the condition of surface waters, prioritize waters for restoration, track water quality trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of restoration and protection efforts. Every year at least thirty (30) cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) are reported in Massachusetts, which has implications for both human and ecosystem health.
The WPP cyanoHABs project is designed to conduct monitoring at impacted waterbodies in Massachusetts to support health status evaluations for surface waters through quantitative cyanobacteria data (cell counts and cyanotoxin concentrations). Collecting cyanoHABs data is also important to support surface water quality standards development and implementation.
Job Duties:
  • Track occurrences of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms throughout the state.
  • Conduct desktop reconnaissance of impacted waterbodies to summarize lake characteristics, ownership/management organizations, and access points to conduct monitoring surveys.
  • Collect cyanoHABs samples at impacted waterbodies.
  • Identify and enumerate cyanobacterial species using microscopy, and ship samples to EPA laboratory for toxins analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency in the ESRI suite of ArcGIS software, or similar GIS application.
  • Basic knowledge of watershed science and fundamental principles of limnology and hydrology.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software.
  • Ability to work independently and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate confidently and effectively on the telephone, in person, and in writing.
  • Willing to learn how to identify and enumerate cyanobacteria species using microscopy.
  • Willing to learn how to collect cyanoHABs samples from shore and from a boat.
  • Comfortable working around water.
  • Valid Class D driver's license.

This internship is unpaid and designed to support students or recent graduates seeking practical experience in the field. Interns may be eligible to earn academic credit through their college or university.
Position Information:
  • Contracted Student Intern: Watershed Planning Program (Water Quality Monitoring Section) Intern
  • Start/End Date: 6/15/2026 - 10/16/2026
  • Weekly Hours: 22.5 hours
  • Number of Openings: 1 position

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached as relevant to the requisition.
Qualifications:
Qualifications - External
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Requirements: NONE
Please see the Preferred Qualifications above.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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