Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited Term)

Full Job Description

The Department of Environmental Protection is actively looking for passionate individuals committed to safeguarding the health and well-being of both the citizens and the environment of Pennsylvania. If you aspire to advance your career within the Commonwealth and have a keen interest in aquatic ecosystems, consider applying for the position of Aquatic Biologist 1. Joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated group of professionals working tirelessly to ensure the preservation and enhancement of Pennsylvania's natural resources. Take this opportunity to make a meaningful impact—submit your application today and embark on a rewarding journey in environmental protection!

Requirements

In this position, you will be responsible for collecting surface water data in accordance with Pennsylvania's established protocols and assessment techniques, focusing on biological, chemical, physicochemical, and physical parameters. Your duties will encompass the upkeep of water quality monitoring equipment, the downloading and documentation of field meter readings, and the processing and preservation of water and biological samples for laboratory analysis.

Additionally, you will meticulously record field and site observations, ensuring that all relevant locational details, dates, times, and sample-specific comments are accurately noted. You will also engage in laboratory processing and evaluation of surface water samples, which includes subsampling macroinvertebrate specimens and filtering water samples for subsequent analysis. Data entry for surface water quality metrics will be a critical aspect of your role, along with assisting in the creation of comprehensive water quality reports. This will involve drafting narratives, exporting data, performing statistical analyses, generating GIS maps, compiling data tables, and conducting literature reviews.

Furthermore, you will be tasked with the maintenance of water quality instruments, vehicles, and watercraft, all while promoting the Department’s mission. It is essential to input data in a specified format that adheres to the quality standards outlined by guidance, training, and policy across all of the Department of Environmental Protection’s electronic data systems, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of entries and utilizing system-specific tools to minimize duplicative entries and data quality issues.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time, limited-term employment (6 to 9 months) without benefits
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position may require travel as needed.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 3 days per week.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree with a major in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management, including or supplemented by six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.