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NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST V SUPERVISOR

Aquatic Animal Pathologist and Laboratory Manager

Recruitment #25-001016-0001

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Introduction

Natural Resource Biologist V Supervisor - Aquatic Animal Pathologist and Laboratory Manager

GRADE

18

LOCATION OF POSITION

Oxford, Maryland (Talbot County)

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to conduct and manage health inspection and diagnostic testing of aquatic animals as part of the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory (COL) Aquatic Animal Health Program (AAHP) in Oxford, MD. This position serves as the Aquatic Animal Pathologist and Manager of the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) located at COL. The AAHL conducts biomolecular, histological, and microbiological diagnostic testing on finfish and shellfish to detect pathogens and evaluate general health and condition, with the capability to increase knowledge on diseases affecting Maryland's natural aquatic living resources.

The position coordinates with the COL DNR Director, multiple DNR resources managers, and fish and shellfish hatchery staff to schedule and conduct health inspections of wild and hatchery- reared finfish and shellfish in support of state programs to produce, translocate or stock aquatic animals into natural populations. The position also examines and performs diagnostic tests on fish and shellfish submitted to the AAHL to diagnose disease and identify pathogens. Pathology duties include examination and necropsy of finfish and shellfish submitted for diagnostic testing, evaluation of diagnostic results, and to provide recommendations on disease prevention and treatment strategies. 

This position develops and implements a variety of microbiological assays for detection and identification of pathogens of shellfish and finfish of economic and ecological importance. The position develops and performs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for qualitative and quantitative detection of pathogen DNAs in shellfish and finfish tissues, cultured cells, and environmental samples. This position isolates, propagates, characterizes, and cryopreserves bacterial and protozoan pathogens. 

The position oversees the maintenance and operation of sophisticated laboratory equipment and follows strict safety procedures during procedures that use hazardous laboratory chemicals and equipment. The position manages and schedules the use and maintenance of sophisticated equipment in the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory suite of laboratory spaces. The position supervises three Natural Resources Biologist positions that perform analytical assays. 

Management includes the oversight of laboratory assay work in a multidisciplinary clinical laboratory setting, supervising three laboratory staff to provide diagnostic and inspection services, track laboratory expenditures and budget, and perform other administrative duties. 

The position relates to the DNR's mission by contributing to sustainable populations of living resources and aquatic habitats within the state of Maryland by investigating fish and shellfish population conservation and monitoring for health and disease.

POSITION DUTIES

The Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services in Oxford, Maryland, is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Biologist V Supervisor - Aquatic Animal Pathologist and Laboratory Manager within the Aquatic Animal Health Program (AAHP) located at the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory (COL) in Oxford, Maryland. The main purpose of this position is to conduct and manage health inspections and diagnostic testing of hatchery-reared and wild finfish and shellfish and conduct health-related research of aquatic animals to increase knowledge on diseases affecting Maryland's natural aquatic living resources. This position serves as the Aquatic Animal Pathologist, who coordinates with the DNR COL Director and multiple Department of Natural Resources managers and commercial aquaculture to schedule health testing. Pathology duties include oversight of animal necropsies, sample collections, and diagnostic testing, and to provide guidance on biosecurity, disease prevention, and treatments, and other health related issues. This position also serves as the Manager for the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory with biomolecular, histological, and microbiological capabilities. Management includes the scheduling of laboratory assay work in a multidisciplinary clinical laboratory setting, supervising laboratory staff to provide diagnostic and inspection services, and maintaining standard operating procedures that follow authoritative sources on approved diagnostic procedures for aquatic animals. 

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 six 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 six 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

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medical degree (DVM, or equivalent), or. a graduate degree in the field of aquatic animal health.
  • Professional certification in aquatic animal health through the American Fisheries Society (AFS) or the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • Two years of experience in aquatic animal pathology, cell culture, bacteriology, virology and/or biomolecular analysis (PCR) of fish and shellfish pathogens.
  • One year of supervisory experience.

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 minimum 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.

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 at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day. 

If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Alexandra Gast at Alexandra.gast@maryland.gov

Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.

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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