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NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST III

Recruitment #22-001000-0006

Introduction

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment 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. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year.

GRADE

16

LOCATION OF POSITION

1919 Lincoln Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Anne Arundel County)

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to act as Project Leader by providing a professional level of management, leadership, coordination, and employee training for certain programs within the Water Quality Monitoring Program. These programs include Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Mainstem, Bay Tributary, Patuxent (Enhanced Tributary) and Coastal Bays sampling. This position will also review, verify, and compile water quality data collected for these programs and will submit the data reports to the data analysts. In addition to being Chief Scientist on the Chesapeake Mainstem cruises, this position will also provide support for all the other programs within the Water Quality Monitoring Program. The Water Quality Monitoring Program is responsible for the collection and assessment of water quality data for the Chesapeake Bay (Mainstem, Bay Tributary & Enhanced Tributary), Non-tidal Network, Core/Trend, Coastal Bays, Dataflow and Continuous Monitoring Programs. These surveys collect monthly water quality data year-round from over 250 stations statewide generating 400 – 600 samples each month as part of the above- named water quality programs. These programs are administered by the Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service whose mission is to understand tidal and non-tidal aquatic ecosystems and trends of these ecosystems; to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration, enhancement and protection activities for these ecosystems and to interpret scientific and economic data on issues related to the natural resources and environment of Maryland. The Department of Natural Resources, Resource Assessment Service is responsible for major components of these plans including the collection and interpretation of water quality data that are used to provide recommendations on issues related to management of resources in the Chesapeake and Coastal bays.

Candidates must be willing to work long and flexible hours, including on-call duty for storm sampling on weekends.  Candidate must be comfortable working aboard boats, from bridges and in streams under various weather conditions.  Candidate must have a valid Driver’s License and be able to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs.  This position may require carrying heavy equipment over rough and uneven terrain.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental 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 and four years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management for the required experience. 

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 credit hours for one year of experience for up to two years 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with field sampling, adhering to sampling protocols to accurately record data and overcoming sampling obstacles to complete sampling tasks
  • Experience with calibrating and using water quality instrumentation 
  • Experience with environmental data review (QA/QC procedures), including data reporting 
  • Experience with reviewing and updating Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans
  • Ability to work independently and with others to efficiently complete assigned tasks 
  • Possession of MD Safe Boating License or equivalent

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.

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.

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.

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is 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. 

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or call 410-767-4850. 

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Emilee Knott at Emilee.Knott@maryland.gov. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them 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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