Environmental Protection Fisheries Biologist 1 (Marine)

The Department of Agriculture (DAG), Bureau of Aquaculture, is currently accepting applications for an Environmental Protection Fisheries Biologist 1 (Marine). This job opening will be located in Milford.

DAG is responsible for fostering a healthy economic, environmental and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage and its contribution to the state's economy.

The Bureau of Aquaculture is tasked with overseeing marine and inland aquaculture related production activities.

Applicants for this position are required to upload a cover letter, resume and a copy of their transcript when completing their application.

In the Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection and Agriculture this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in fisheries management, research and conservation.

Conducts studies of the life history, habits and rate of growth, recruitment and exploitation of marine and anadromous fishes and marine invertebrates; supervises the gathering and compilation of fishery statistics; analyzes and interprets statistical data for presentation; conducts limnologic and oceanographic studies for fishery conservation; determines the effect of sport and commercial fishing on various species and makes recommendations on the regulation of such fishing; gives testimony in court as an expert witness for the state; evaluates the results of artificial propagation of marine species; acts as custodian of scientific and utilitarian equipment and facilities; may give talks to service clubs and other organizations; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and methods of fisheries management; knowledge of environmental and human factors involved in production, management and harvesting of stocks of marine and anadromous fishes and invertebrates; ability to conduct fishery surveys and oceanographic studies and apply statistical procedures necessary for sound conclusions; ability to identify marine flora and fauna; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software.

Six (6) years of experience in marine and/or anadromous fisheries management.

Fisheries management is defined as work requiring a knowledge of scientific fields such as biology, ichthyology, fisheries science, fish population dynamics, aquatic ecology, limnology, fish taxonomy, fishery statistics, aquatic entomology, aquatic phycology and oceanography.

1. College training in fisheries management as defined may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in fisheries management as defined may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• Knowledge of current principles and practices of fisheries management; science, marine and oceanographic studies or biology;
• Knowledge of equipment and instruments used in laboratories as well as quality assurance and quality control policies and procedures related to lab practices;
• Knowledge of media preparation and good laboratory practices that includes effective cleaning and disinfection techniques;
• Ability to perform bacteriological and biochemical analysis of water, wastewater, sewage effluent and sludge, seawater, seafood, etc.;
• Ability to perform DNA amplification tests such as Real-Time PCR to detect various bacterial and viral agents;
• Ability to analyze, interpret and prepare statistical data.

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing and able to accept assignment or transfer to any area of the State.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to live on a vessel for extended period of time.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

1. Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
2. Incumbents in this class must be able to swim.
3. Appropriate examinations will be required.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some danger of injury or physical harm from on-site environments and a moderate degree of discomfort from exposure to year round weather conditions.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.