Summary

This temporary job involves identifying insects like black flies, ticks, and mosquitoes in a lab to support programs that control diseases and monitor environmental health in Pennsylvania's waters.

You'll also help collect samples, enter data, and check water quality by sorting tiny water creatures.

It's a great fit for recent science graduates passionate about protecting nature and gaining hands-on lab experience in conservation.

Key Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management
Six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or related aquatic science
Equivalent combination of experience and training with the required credits
Valid motor vehicle license
Ability to perform taxonomic identification of arthropods (black flies, ticks, mosquitoes)
Skills in sample collection, data entry, and sorting macroinvertebrates for water quality assessment
Full-time availability for on-site work (no telework) from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday

Full Job Description

If you have a strong passion for environmental conservation and are eager to embark on a career as an Aquatic Biologist 1, the Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for a dedicated individual like you. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a vital field that focuses on the health of our aquatic ecosystems. By joining our enthusiastic team, you will play a crucial role in initiatives aimed at safeguarding Pennsylvania's natural resources and promoting sustainability for future generations. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the preservation of our environment, we encourage you to submit your application today! Together, we can strive towards a healthier planet.

Requirements

This position is a temporary technical role focused on vector biology within the Laboratory Section of Vector Management. The primary responsibilities include the taxonomic identification and isolation of black flies, ticks, and mosquitoes, which are crucial for the Black Fly Suppression, Tick Surveillance, and West Nile Virus Control Programs. Accurate identification is vital for isolating specific mosquito species that act as vectors for various pathogens, enabling effective testing. The resulting data plays a critical role in evaluating the risks posed to human health from mosquito exposure in the environment. Additionally, this information is invaluable for internal staff and county partners, as it aids in understanding species distribution and abundance, which are essential for making informed control decisions. The Aquatic Biologist will also support the collection of arthropod samples from a statewide surveillance network, manage data entry, and sort macroinvertebrates to assess water quality.

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 months) without benefits
Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
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:

Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.

✓ Fresh Listing

Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited Term)

SES Pay Grade

Job Description