Environmental Protection Fisheries Biologist 1 (Inland) (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) is dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy.  

DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, Habitat Conservation and Enhancement (HCE) Program is seeking to hire an EP Fisheries Biologist 1.  

The Department is seeking expertise to support habitat protection and restoration initiatives for the waters of Connecticut.  The Fisheries Division engages in the following basic approach in support of these efforts.  Staff advise both state and federal regulators on the need for protective measures for fish populations and habitat for projects requiring state or Federal permits.  Projects include the replacement of bridges and culverts, the diversion of surface water and groundwater, dredging, filling or modification of waterways, the discharge of effluent into waterways, utility crossings of streams and other water bodies, winter drawdowns of lakes and application of aquatic herbicides and algaecides.  Permit analysts who issue permits send HCE staff permit applications and plans and HCE staff review the plans and provide the analysts with written review commentary articulating concerns and proposed conditions to be incorporated into the permit to address those concerns.  When some level of negative impacts are unavoidable, staff work with permit analysts to propose either on-site or off-site mitigation measures.  Staff also review timber management plans, watershed plans, streamflow management regulations and other management plans proposed by other divisions of the Department.  Staff provide technical assistance to municipalities, non-governmental organizations, and private property owners on the protection and management of fish habitat.  Staff also works with partners on habitat restoration projects, such as installing fish structures in streams and lakes, restoring and stabilizing eroded streambanks, removing dams and restoring natural stream channels.  HCE staff also conduct field sampling and investigations to support the many listed activities.  The program also administers a triploid (i.e., sterile) grass carp permitting program wherein these fish are allowed for use by others on a restrictive case by case basis as a means to control nuisance aquatic vegetation.

The person selected for this position will participate in monthly meetings with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and may be assigned to other standing or ad hoc working groups.  The selected person will be assigned to the Western District field office in Harwinton but will have some statewide responsibilities and will need to spend some time in field offices in Marlborough and Old Lyme.

Hours per week: 35

Typically first shift, but hours may vary according to field sampling or out of office or out of state meeting needs.

Note: Do not submit a cover letter. Applicants must only include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. 

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860)424-3006. 

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

Valid drivers license required. Position will require driving throughout the state to attend meetings and engage in site visits and field activities, sometimes in harsh weather.  Some night work may be required to attend meetings. 

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.

Develops statistically valid research methodology; calculates growth rates of fish populations; analyzes data; calculates area, volume and depth of lakes and ponds; collects samples of the fish population using nets and specialized equipment; collects and identifies samples of bottom organisms and computes the weight and number of fish food organisms; determines the dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide content present in water; prepares and analyzes growth curves of all species of fish collected; analyzes data and submits recommendations for laws, regulations and management; makes statistical estimates of fish populations; tests and evaluates various chemicals for use as aquatic weed killers; calculates chemical dosage, prescribes methods of application and supervises the treatment for weed control; recommends type and amount of fish to be stocked; submits tentative projects of an investigational nature for land acquisition or development; plans and prepares special reports for submission to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; gives testimony in court as an expert witness for the state; acts as consultant to private landowners; participates in educational work of the agency; may give talks to service clubs and other organizations; performs related duties as required.

This specific position will share responsibilities for reviewing construction permit applications statewide, as assigned by the project supervisor.  Activities will include the office review of submitted permit application materials, on-site field visits, inspections, and meetings, and communications between the applicant, agency permit analysts, and other HCE staff.  This position will be responsible for developing written reviews for the permit analysts making recommendations for fish and aquatic habitat protection, enhancement, restoration and possible mitigation as conditions may warrant.  Permit conditions may include the requirement for HCE staff to be on site to verify proper installation of required features (e.g. boulder clusters, rock vanes, root wads).  The selected individual will work both independently and as a member of a team, with more independence anticipated as knowledge and experience is gained.  The individual will have statewide lead administrative responsibility for triploid grass carp permitting, will review permits for aquatic herbicides and algaecides proposed for use in the state’s public waters, and will review plans submitted to conduct winter drawdowns of lakes.  Associated duties include sampling waterbodies for fish populations either as part of HCE activities or to assist Division colleagues in other projects.  This position will also review a variety of other management plans that have the potential to impact fish and fish habitat.  In addition, the position will lead fish kill investigations in the inland waters of western CT as needed. Duties will also include attending and representing the Department at meetings of various state and regional committees that have fisheries management responsibilities, writing technical reports, and giving presentations to both professional groups and the general public.

Knowledge of principles and methods of fisheries management; knowledge of environmental and human factors involved in the production, management and cropping of stocks of fishes; some knowledge of standard methods of water analysis used in fishery work; some knowledge of microcomputers; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to conduct fishery surveys and to apply statistical procedures necessary for sound conclusions; ability to identify fishes, aquatic insects and aquatic plants; ability to utilize computer software.

Six (6) years of experience in inland 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.

·        M.S. in Fisheries Biology

·        Proficiency in statistical analysis of fish populations

·        Proficiency in GIS, and use of database programs such as Excel, Access or Sequel Server. 

·        Experience in fishery biology and species identification

·        Experience with various sampling techniques of fishes.

·        Experience and knowledge of fish habitat, habitat protection, and habitat restoration in fresh waters.  Such experience and knowledge in estuarine and marine habitats is a plus.

·        Experience with habitat restoration techniques and instream flow studies, methodologies and management.

·        Experience identifying aquatic plant species.

·        Knowledge of and experience with various aquatic plant management tools, including herbicides, winter drawdowns and triploid grass carp.

·        Knowledge of construction practices and transportation related projects, including the ability to read engineered construction plans.

·        Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate or equivalent and experience in small boat handling is considered a bonus

·        Excellent oral and written interpersonal skills

·        Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including carrying equipment, the ability to walk in flowing, rocky streams and lift nets or buckets containing fish.

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.