Introduction
This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Unit. 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
17
LOCATION OF POSITION
10201 Bee Oak Road, Brandywine, MD 20613 (Charles County)
Main Purpose of Job
The Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services is
currently accepting applications for the Freshwater Mussel Hatchery Manager position (Natural
Resources Biologist IV) within the Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division.
The main purpose of this position is to develop and direct all aspects of the Department’s new
Freshwater Mussel Propagation and Restoration Program. This will include operation and
maintenance of the State’s only freshwater mussel hatchery to be constructed on the grounds of
the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery located in Brandywine, Maryland. Design and construction is
expected to be complete in 2025. The freshwater mussel hatchery will be located on 180 acres
of Fishing and Boating Service property and consist of a propagation and culture building with
office and lab space, mussel culture ponds, fish culture ponds, a well-fed water supply, a
domestic well, and a mobile aquatic animal propagation laboratory. The facility will produce
native freshwater mussel species and host fish to meet multiple resource management needs,
including, but not limited to, population augmentation, reintroduction, and research projects for
species and ecosystem recovery projects. Restoration efforts will take place within the state and
Chesapeake Bay watershed dependent upon funding levels and obligations.
The incumbent is also responsible for collaborating with appropriate internal and external
partners to develop, implement, and update freshwater mussel restoration and propagation
plans; develop and implement appropriate mussel health and genetic management plans;
collect and care for mussel brood stock; conduct in situ, in vivo, and in vitro freshwater mussel
propagation, primary and secondary mussel culture activities, and mark, stock, and assess
cultured mussels; develop and refine new mussel and host fish propagation and culture
techniques; pursue and acquire additional funding to advance the Department’s and Program’s
mission; conduct education and outreach; and represent the Department on topics of freshwater
mussel propagation and culture at meetings of professional society committees and workgroups
involved in freshwater mussel restoration.
Program management duties include budget development and tracking, management of capital
and critical maintenance projects, management of the physical plant, including an operational
connection with the Joseph Manning Fish Hatchery. The incumbent is also responsible for hiring
and supervising biologists and technicians who assist in maintaining and operating the hatchery
and carrying out the mission of the Freshwater Mussel Propagation and Restoration Program.
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 five 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 five 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
- Advanced degree (Masters or Doctoral Degree) in biology, aquaculture and/or fisheries science and management or relevant work experience in aquaculture and/or fisheries science and management
- One year of experience with developing and managing a program or project budget
- One year of supervisory experience
- Experience in freshwater mussel propagation and culture
- Experience in tagging/marking freshwater mussels
- Experience with implementing a freshwater mussel restoration plan
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
The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.
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 Christopher Langley at Christopher.Langley@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.
