Job Posting

Taxonomist Summary

At Biologica, we are the champions of the little critters. Based in Victoria, BC, we're a family-owned aquatic biomonitoring company specializing in identifying organisms in freshwater and marine habitats to support environmental monitoring efforts. We're passionate about serving our clients and ensuring the success of our team, all while providing a window into an invisible yet incredibly diverse world that’s key for biomonitoring and conservation efforts.

We believe in fostering a rigorous and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and grow. That means being open to learning new skills, welcoming feedback, and taking ownership of our work. Join us as we work together to make a difference in the world of aquatic taxonomy.

We’re passionate about what we do, and we’re looking for someone who shares that passion to join our team as an Invertebrate Taxonomist.

In this role, you'll analyze biological samples from either freshwater or marine environments. You’ll be responsible for identifying, enumerating, and staging organisms with accuracy and attention to detail, while also helping to keep projects on track and on budget. Attention to detail and accuracy are crucial, as is the ability to maintain project budgets and timelines to ensure project success.

We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced in taxonomy, but who sees this as more than just a job. If you're curious about the natural world, excited about biodiversity, and eager to build a long-term career in taxonomy, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Qualifications

· Diploma in Environmental Technology, BSc., or post graduate degree in biological sciences preferred.





· Advanced experience using a microscope in a laboratory environment.

· At least 4–6 months of hands-on experience with invertebrate or algal taxonomy in a professional or research setting (excluding coursework).

· Proficiency using taxonomic keys for species identification.

· Advanced familiarity with marine and/or freshwater invertebrates and/or algae. Familiarity with marine and/or freshwater ecology is an asset.

· Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).

· Advanced ability to maintain timelines and budgets while ensuring high accuracy.

· Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

· Capacity to think critically under pressure, incorporating integrity in all decision making.

· High adaptability to evolving job requirements, resilient and innovative approach to both fast-paced environments and slower periods.

· Must be able to sit and perform focused work at a microscope for extended periods (up to 8 hours a day).

Key Duties

Sample Analysis

· Process samples following appropriate SOPs and project specific instructions (may include biomass, staging, sub-sampling, measuring or other services requested by the client).

· Accurately identify organisms microscopically using taxonomic keys and other resources,



recognizing the appropriate level of taxonomic effort necessary.

· Collaborate with peers to troubleshoot difficult specimens and identify mis-sorts.

· Identify continuing improvement opportunities to existing procedures (or new processes) that optimize efficiency and effectiveness within the taxonomy workflow.

· Comply with lab safety procedures and promote a culture of health and safety.

· Complete work within project deadlines and budget allocations while maintaining high accuracy levels and a workspace organized for efficiency.

· Perform QC/QA on samples as required.

· Assist in the training of new Biological Laboratory Technicians and new Taxonomists.

Referencing

· Create appropriate specimen references, accurately label and add to collection inventories.

· Ensure all new taxa are verified by a second taxonomist.

Career development

· Stay up to date on taxonomic publications and taxonomic name changes.

· Integrate recent literature into your work.

· Develop personal resources and ongoing personal reference collections from broad geographic regions.

Instructions

If you’d like to join our team, apply with a cover letter and resume through the Indeed platform.

We are unable to provide individual responses to all applicants. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and kindly request that you refrain from making phone calls to our office. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $24.00-$28.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 Taxonomist (Victoria)
🏢 Biologica Environmental Services
📍 Victoria