1

Macroinvertebrate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Macroinvertebrate sample processing in the lab. * Installation of aeration systems and decorative fountains. Qualifications * Associate's Degree or working towards an equivalent or higher in Biology ...

Lead field sampling of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities following standard USGS and state/federal protocols. * Collect supporting habitat, substrate, and water-quality data. * Collect biological ...

Analysis of marine/estuarine benthic macroinvertebrate, water chemistry, and sediment data * Reporting of biological, chemical, and physical condition of the marine waters located in the Mid-Atlantic ...

STORMWATER ANALYST

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$67K - $88K/yr

Coordinates and conducts benthic macroinvertebrate sampling in support of measuring water quality status and trends prepares Quality Assurance Program Plans and technical reports and ensures QA/QC of ...

Coordinates and conducts benthic macroinvertebrate sampling in support of measuring water quality status and trends prepares Quality Assurance Program Plans and technical reports and ensures QA/QC of ...

Showing results 21-34

Macroinvertebrate information

What are macroinvertebrates?

Macroinvertebrates are animals without backbones that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye, such as insects, worms, snails, and crustaceans. They are commonly found in aquatic environments like streams, rivers, and ponds. Macroinvertebrates are important indicators of water quality because different species have varying levels of tolerance to pollution. Scientists and environmental professionals often study macroinvertebrate populations to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems.

What is the difference between Macroinvertebrate vs Aquatic Biologist?

AspectMacroinvertebrateAquatic Biologist
Required CredentialsBiology or Environmental Science degree, fieldwork experienceBiology, Environmental Science, or related degree, often with research focus
Work EnvironmentStreams, lakes, wetlands, field sampling sitesResearch labs, field sites, environmental agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, research institutions, conservation groupsGovernment agencies, research institutions, environmental consulting
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Macroinvertebrates are organisms like insects and mollusks used to assess water quality, while aquatic biologists study aquatic ecosystems broadly, including macroinvertebrates. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in environmental settings, but aquatic biologists typically have a broader scope, including research and ecosystem management.

What are some common challenges faced by aquatic macroinvertebrate biologists during fieldwork?

Aquatic macroinvertebrate biologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and varying water levels that can impact sampling efforts. Identifying species accurately in the field can be demanding due to their small size and morphological similarities. Additionally, biologists must carefully follow sampling protocols to ensure data consistency and avoid contamination. Collaboration with other team members and stakeholders is crucial for effective data collection and analysis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a macroinvertebrate biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Macroinvertebrate biologist, you need a background in biology or environmental science, strong identification skills for aquatic invertebrates, and relevant fieldwork experience. Familiarity with sampling equipment, GIS software, and data analysis tools is often required, along with certifications in water quality or ecological assessment. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies are crucial for accurate data collection, effective research, and contributing valuable insights to environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
More about Macroinvertebrate jobs
What cities are hiring for Macroinvertebrate jobs? Cities with the most Macroinvertebrate job openings:
What states have the most Macroinvertebrate jobs? States with the most job openings for Macroinvertebrate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Macroinvertebrate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$77K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson rating

9.8

Company rating: 9.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 447 rated engineering


Job description

Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms.

Position Summary: Responsible for conducting various environmental investigations, performing wetland impact analyses and permitting, and supporting ecological assessment and/or restoration projects, while applying knowledge of ecological principles, environmental practices, and federal, state, and local regulations. Some project management and business development activities are also required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Characterizes and assesses various environmental resources including surface waters, wetlands, forests, streams, soils, plants, and wildlife
  • Collects resource data, samples during field investigations
  • Analyzes and manages data collected during field investigations
  • Determines the location, scale, scope, condition of, and impacts to, natural resources
  • Collects field location data using GPS; and creates maps and other graphic materials using GIS software
  • Collects water quality, vegetation, fish, macroinvertebrate (plankton, benthic) and sediment samples
  • Documents methodologies and findings of research and field investigations
  • Writes natural environmental technical reports, field delineation reports, impact assessments, environmental inspection reports, and similar reports with supervisory input and oversight
  • Assists and/or manages (with supervisory oversight) various state, federal, and local regulatory permit application processes, such as those for Clean Water Act Section 404/401, and provides documentation as necessary for coordination of compliance with the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, Magnuson–Stevens Act, etc.
  • Supports preparation of NEPA documents, including writing environmental setting and impact analyses sections
  • Assists in the preparation of scopes of work, fee proposals, and responses to RFPs
  • Manages projects

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities

  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Skills
Required Experience
  • Master’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or natural science, biology, marine science, ecology, or a related field
  • History of managing environmental aspects of transportation and other infrastructure projects, including permitting and agency coordination
  • Experience with environmental requirements of Florida DOT projects and coordination with FDOT
  • Experience preparing proposals, scopes of work, and fees
  • Florida wetland plant and soil identification skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365
  • Proficiency in ArcGIS

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with wetland/forest/stream delineation and assessment, wildlife surveys & protected species consultation, data collection and analysis, report writing and editing
  • Advanced wetland delineation and/or hydric soils training
  • Experience with Gopher Tortoise and other protected species surveys
  • 10+ years of consulting, natural resource investigation, and/or regulatory experience

Working Conditions

 Work is performed within a general office environment approximately 60% of the time. Office work is generally sedentary in nature but may require occasional standing and walking. Office work is performed with adequate lighting and temperature, with no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. 

Field work is required approximately 30% of the time and is conducted outdoors in sometimes extreme heat/cold and/or wet/humid conditions. Field work will require walking and carrying field equipment over typical outdoor terrain. Some lifting (up to 35 lbs) may be required as needed. Travel is required, and could occur throughout the southeast U.S., e.g., South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

Other work outside the office requires travel (10%) for business development purposes.

Benefits

JMT offers outstanding opportunities for career and professional growth. We are 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and offer outstanding health care coverage and other benefits, including:

  • Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Caregiver Leave Program
  • 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional and Roth options)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Career Development Programs
  • And more…
  • Benefits | JMT

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.


What Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom