Aquatic Biologist

Overview

This role serves as an Aquatic Biologist 2 within the Northeast Region, conducting technical environmental analyses related to various aquatic site characteristics. Responsibilities include evaluating sites associated with dams, water obstructions, and encroachment applications, in accordance with the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act and the regulations outlined in Chapter 105. This position contributes to the protection and management of water resources and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

If you are passionate about aquatic ecosystems, this role offers an opportunity to make a difference.

The role involves environmental assessment of applications related to dams, water obstructions, and encroachment permits within a designated region. This includes thorough review of Water Obstruction and Encroachment Permits and responding to complaints related to these permits. The position supports making informed determinations and decisions aligned with the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act and Chapter 105 of the Department s Rules and Regulations, through interpretation, assessment, and analysis of data from permitting information, field documentation, reference materials, and feedback from relevant agencies.

It also requires conducting and coordinating field investigations and ecological studies focused on aquatic habitats, including plant and animal life, and the surrounding environmental conditions, with participation in biological surveys and investigations to analyze community structures and ecological dynamics.

For more information, additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• Telework: there may be an opportunity to work from home part-time up to 3 days per week. Telework requires a securely configured high-speed internet connection and an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If telework is not available, you may report to the headquarters office in Wilkes-Barre. Telework eligibility is subject to change. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary: starting salary may be non-negotiable in some cases
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as an Aquatic Biologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• One year of professional experience in aquatic biology or water pollution biology with a bachelor s degree 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

Special Requirement:

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

Other Requirements:

• You must possess and maintain a REAL  passport for this position. Proof of possession is needed at the time of a conditional offer of employment.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed; information to determine eligibility 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, attach college transcripts for your claim to be…