Robert Ryder

Experience

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  PA Department of Environmental Protection

  Apr 2001 - Jun 2009

  Water Pollution Biologist

  I determined the quality and aquatic life use attainment of streams, rivers, and lakes via biological, chemical, and physical sampling and assessments and identified the scope, sources, and causes of point- and non-point source pollution impacts, if necessary. These assessments were performed under the Department’s State-wide Surface Water Assessment Program as well as its Anti-Degradation (“Special Protection”) Program, and other Federal Clean Water Act requirements.My responsibilities also included experimental design and researching and analyzing scientific data, and researching, writing, and editing published reports.I conceived, developed, and helped field-test bioassessment protocols State biologists use to assess water quality, aquatic integrity, remediation, and enforce environmental regulations. I designed and executed a research program to create an acidification tolerance index for benthic macroinvertebrates. Show less

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  PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

  Dec 2013 - Feb 2015

  Ecological Program Specialist (Water)

  I helped develop, coordinate, and implement the DCNR's program for monitoring the surface and subsurface water resources on state forest lands during the development of shale gas extraction and AMD remediation efforts. I advised the Bureau of Forestry's water resource monitoring plans and offered scientific advice to other DCNR programs, such as AMD remediation projects.

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  EPT et al. Aquatic Entomology and Analytics, LLC

  Jan 2015 - now

  Chief Scientist

  EPT et al. Aquatic Entomology and Analytics, LLC is a start-up, veteran-owned Pennsylvania-based biomonitoring contracting, consulting, and training company. We provide affordable aquatic entomology services, including field training and environmental consulting on water quality assessments and biomonitoring design.