Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited-Term)

Full Job Description

If you have a strong passion for environmental conservation and are eager to embark on a career as an aquatic biologist, the Department of Environmental Protection is on the lookout for a dedicated individual ready to immerse themselves in this vital field. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects that aim to safeguard Pennsylvania's natural resources. By joining our enthusiastic team, you will play a crucial role in initiatives that promote sustainability and protect aquatic ecosystems. If you are driven by the desire to make a positive impact and are excited about the prospect of working alongside like-minded professionals, we encourage you to submit your application today. Together, we can strive towards a healthier environment and a sustainable future for generations to come.

Requirements

The main duty of this position is to assist in the water body surveys carried out by the Clean Water program at the North Central regional office. This role requires diligent monitoring and evaluation of surface water quality in designated regions of the Commonwealth. A significant aspect of the job includes the collection of water samples from various streams and lakes, which will subsequently undergo biological analysis. The information gathered from these surveys and sample collections is vital, as it will significantly influence the decision-making processes within the permitting section of the Clean Water Program. This ensures that the program can effectively address water quality issues and uphold environmental standards.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment (Limited-Term).
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

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 Williamsport. 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.

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 Guidelines.
• 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.