Seasonal Hourly Shift
Aquatic Resources Specialist
Recruitment #26-002292-0043
| Department | DNR - Maryland Park Service - State Wide Operation |
|---|---|
| Date Opened | 3/17/2026 11:59:00 PM |
| Filing Deadline | 4/1/2026 11:59:00 PM |
| Salary | $20/hour |
| Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
| HR Analyst | Emilee Knott |
| Work Location |
Garrett
|
Introduction
Salary $20/hour
Employment Type - Full-Time
Seasonal Contract - Will Not Exceed 10 Months In Length
GRADE
HRLY 0008
LOCATION OF POSITION
Deep Creek Lake NRMA, 73 Brant Road, Swanton MD 21561 (Garrett County)
Main Purpose of Job
The Aquatic Resources Specialist assigned to the Deep Creek Lake Management Office assists
with the protection, monitoring, compliance, and management of aquatic resources and the
surrounding Buffer Strip while balancing recreational, economic, and ecological resources. This
position supports the implementation of lake management objectives by conducting submerged
aquatic vegetation (SAV) surveys, shoreline erosion surveys, Buffer Strip inspections, fisheries
habitat enhancements, aquatic invasive species (AIS) monitoring and decontaminations, and data
collection activities. The incumbent operates and maintains field equipment and operates small
vessels, documents environmental conditions, and provides technical support for resource
management initiatives aimed at sustaining water quality, ecological health, and recreational use
of Deep Creek Lake. The position also assists with public outreach and coordination efforts to
ensure compliance with applicable regulations and promote responsible stewardship of Deep
Creek Lake.
Duties may vary and generally include, but are not limited to:
- Support submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) monitoring efforts, including mapping, transect surveys, and species documentation.
- Assist with Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention, inspection, decontamination, and public education efforts.
- Operate and utilize a variety of tools and equipment to construct, enhance, or restore habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species.
- Coordinate with permit holders to conduct site inspections, evaluate regulatory compliance, and document potential violations of applicable laws, regulations, or permit conditions.
- Operate and/or assist in the operation of motorized and non-motorized watercraft, including boats and kayaks, while working safely in and around aquatic environments.
- Support the Lake Manager in the development and implementation of natural resource management plans.
- Contribute to outreach efforts by assisting with presentations to public, private, civic, and recreational organizations.
- Maintain accurate records of field activities and prepare basic reports and documentation as required.
- Clean, calibrate, and maintain field and laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation and data integrity.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Perform physically demanding outdoor work, including prolonged walking and standing, repetitive bending and stooping, climbing ladders, and operating heavy equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must have at least 12 credit hours in biological or natural resource sciences (e.g., biology, environmental science, ecology, ichthyology, botany, dendrology, chemistry, ecotoxicology, marine science, geographic information systems, herpetology, forest management, fisheries, freshwater ecology, mammalogy, soil conservation, zoology, or related disciplines).
Note: Candidates may substitute nine months of experience performing technical biological work in the field of natural resources management, fisheries, wildlife, aquatic ecology, environmental science, or closely related disciplines, or a combination of education and experience in these fields, to meet the minimum qualifications.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess a valid Maryland Boating License with hands-on experience operating a vessel in a professional work environment.
- Knowledge of and experience performing Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) decontamination procedures in accordance with environmental best practices.
- Experience identifying and surveying submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), including field data collection, species identification, and habitat assessment.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle, UTV or golf cart. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland and five points or fewer on their current driving record. Please note, a provisional driver’s license will not be accepted as the restrictions may interfere with the job requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants selected for employment may undergo an employment background investigation, including, but not limited to: employment reference check, education verification, driving record check (if the position requires employees to drive a vehicle) and a criminal history check including fingerprinting. Should the position you are in consideration for require an employment, driving or criminal history check, continued employment will be contingent on the results.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions of this position.
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
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire
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 no earlier than the following business day.
If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Emilee Knott at Emilee.Knott@maryland.gov.
Supplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.
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.
Standard turnaround time to receive an update is 2-3 weeks after an announcement deadline has passed. Please refrain from requesting updates within this timeframe. If more than three weeks have elapsed and no email regarding your application status has been received, it is appropriate to request an update.
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.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
| Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. | Apply Online |
| View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. | This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here. |
| Apply via Paper Application. | You may also download and complete the Paper Application here. |



