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NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST II

Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory Biologist

Recruitment #19-003121-0002

Introduction

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments.

GRADE

15

LOCATION OF POSITION

Oxford, MD (Talbot County)

Main Purpose of Job

This position secures and processes tissue samples from aquatic animals for diagnostic assays, conducts and analyzes laboratory assays on those samples, and documents laboratory assay results for aquatic animal health monitoring and disease investigations conducted or serviced by the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Oxford Laboratory. The position draws blood from live fish and shellfish and dissects or biopsies both live and dead animals to obtain samples of solid tissues. The position preserves, processes, and stains tissue samples to produce histological or cytological preparations for microscopic analysis, including immunoassays and in situ hybridization assays. This position performs microbiological assays including cell culture on fish and shellfish tissue samples and analyzes results. The position maintains and operates sophisticated laboratory equipment, and follows strict safety procedures while regularly working with hazardous laboratory chemicals. The selected candidate will participate as an essential member of a team that acquires, processes and analyzes diagnostic tissue samples for disease assays from live oysters during an annual survey of Maryland oyster populations as well as from finfish for fish health inspections of fish located on Maryland state hatcheries.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, aquaculture, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology or physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management, zoology or a natural resources management related field of study from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Two years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

Notes:

1. Additional professional experience conducting research and analysis in the fields of biology, biochemistry, environmental science, natural science, natural resources management, botany, marine biology, marine ecology, physical oceanography, ichthyology, fisheries management, wildlife management or zoology may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute graduate education beyond a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a natural resources related field of study as described above at the rate of 15 graduate credits for one year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the natural resources management and biological sciences classifications or natural resources management and biological sciences specialty codes in the wildlife biology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.   

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in dissecting, preserving, processing and analyzing tissues samples for histology and microbiology

Experience in histology, microscopy, cell culture, bacteriology, virology and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Experience in preparing reagents and microbiological media

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the employment (eligible) list for at least one year.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire. 

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you provide all the experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources Human Resources 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Crystal Wilson at crystal.wilson1@maryland.gov 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.




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