NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST II

Natural Resource Biologist II 

STD0015

Oxford, Maryland (Talbot County)

The primary purpose of this position is two-fold: 1) Assist the Stranding Response Program Director with various aspects of the Marine Mammal & Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program (SRP) and 2) Conduct stranding response and manage protected species projects contributing to the conservation of threatened and endangered species. The position relates to the mission of DNR by contributing to sustainable populations of living resources and aquatic habitats within the state of Maryland through conserving threatened and endangered marine mammal and sea turtle species and monitoring of all natural resources for health and disease. Additionally, this position allows for a collaborative effort between state and federal government, as it supports federal initiatives concerning protected species.

The Department of Natural Resources’ Stranding Response Program, located in Oxford, Maryland is currently accepting applications for a Natural Resources Biologist II. This position will assist the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program Director with response to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, assist in the execution of standardized necropsy procedures, secure and process tissue samples, write necropsy/incident reports, and organize and enter the results of field and laboratory examinations into databases for disease investigations on federally protected, threatened, and endangered animals. This position will also assist with the Stranding Response Program’s volunteer network, will provide training to volunteers and agency collaborators, assist with data analysis, and present findings at scientific meetings, network meetings, and public outreach events. Additional duties include sharing the responsibility of the stranding response hotline, planning and coordinating responses, daily monitoring of Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Tracker, participating in regular meetings with federal agencies and Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network partners, preparing and shipping samples to diagnostic laboratories, and maintaining the tissue inventory, laboratory, stranding response vehicle, and field equipment. 

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 two years of experience in performing professional biological work in the field of natural resources management.

• Candidate has 1 year experience with federally protected, threatened, and endangered marine animals, stranding response and/or necropsy, securing tissue and microbiological samples, recording and entering data accurately into digital records and databases, and experience with training and/or outreach.

• Candidate possesses a working knowledge of good laboratory practices such as the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and proper safety protocols when handling laboratory tools, equipment, and biological waste. 
• Candidate should have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted and be willing to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions. 
• Candidate possesses a high level of interpersonal communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Candidate has a high level of commitment and flexibility with regards to scheduling to accommodate the unpredictable nature of stranding response, which can occur after hours, on weekends, and on holidays (on occasion)

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.

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.

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.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

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.