Skip to Main Content

NATURAL RESOURCES PLANNER V

Section Head ** Internal Only**

Recruitment #24-002310-0001

Go Back View Benefits

Introduction

The Maryland Department of the Environment is charged with protecting and preserving the State's air, water, and land resources and safeguarding the environmental health of all Maryland’s citizens. The Agency’s mission is to protect and restore the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders with a vision of healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities and ecosystems in Maryland.

If you are looking for an exciting career committed to helping the environment for all Marylanders, please apply to become part of MDE’s workforce.  MDE offers competitive pay, great benefits, opportunities to telework, as well as opportunities for advancement and professional growth – MDE offers you a wide range of benefits such as medical and dental coverage, paid time off (i.e., vacation, sick leave), state pension, and supplemental retirement options (i.e., 401k, 457b etc.). MDE headquarters facility offers free parking, a food court, and a gym.

GRADE

19

LOCATION OF POSITION

Water and Science Administration 

Field Investigation & Environmental Response Program

Bioregulatory Monitoring & Response Division/Fish Kill Section

416 Chinquapin Round Rd, 

Annapolis, MD 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The main purpose of this position is to serve as section head of the Fish Kills/Algae Blooms Section, an organizationally recognized section within the Field Evaluation Division of the Field Investigations and Environmental Response Program of the Water and Science Administration. The section head oversees the coordination of a statewide program: responding to and investigating citizen complaints of dead and distressed aquatic life. Additionally, this position supervises and serves as technical advisor for the Taxonomy Section, providing supervision, guidance and direction as detailed below.

The primary function of the Taxonomy section is to conduct Benthological Studies in support of MDE’s regulatory functions including, Tier II, Section 319 implementation monitoring, WMA permit applications, and dredging permit oversight. The position reports directly to the Division chief. The fish kill investigation project is a mandated responsibility under Environmental Article 4-405C, which demands emergency response status. This water pollution control mandate requires that all fish kills occurring in waters of the state are properly investigated and appropriately characterized. Timely evidence gathered during the investigation supports identification of the cause. If water pollution is to blame, this information may be formally submitted in support of litigation as necessary. 

The collected data also supports Policy/Management efforts 303(d)/305(b) listings use attainment, Recreational contact advisories, etc. The section head takes the lead to respond to reports of damage to aquatic resources, including but not limited to, mortality of fish and other aquatic life, and harmful algae blooms. This position is responsible for overseeing the completion of each investigation in the state and coordinates with other agencies and personnel to assist with specific investigations as necessary. Intra-and inter-departmental liaison is essential. A technical report is compiled for each incident. This position is also responsible for the design and implementation of aquatic Benthic and Ichthyologic studies intended to evaluate the ecological impact from point and non-point pollution in waters of the state. 

This position oversees the QA/QC responsibility of the Taxonomy Section and coordinates laboratory scheduling, sample protocol development, taxonomic training and generation of technical reports as required. This position also works directly with personnel within the Chemical and Biological Monitoring Division, the Watershed Protection, Restorationand Planning, Water Quality Standards, and Analysis Division, Compliance Program, Water Supply Program, Wetlands and Waterways Protection Program, and serves as a major technical advisor. Activities also include the coordination and collection of fish tissue for consumption advisors, and harmful algae bloom taxomony and surveillance. Data generated by field studies provides an information base for regulatory and enforcement decisions.

The incumbent in this position will be required to drive a State vehicle.  If you maintain an out-of-state driving license, you must provide a certified copy of your driving record from the appropriate Motor Vehicle Administration at the time of appointment.  Individuals must maintain a driver's license with no more than 5 points on their driving record in order to drive a State vehicle.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental science or natural resources planning, management, or development.

Experience: Seven years of experience in natural resources planning or an applied environmental science.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban or regional planning, engineering, physical geography, or the physical, chemical, biological or environmental sciences and one year of experience in natural resources planning or applied environmental science for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a natural resources planning, management, administration, development, environmental urban or regional planning; resources economics or development; environmental system management; water or land resources planning and management; environmental landscape architecture; or the physical, chemical, biological or environmental sciences for up to three years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in natural resources planning, management, administration, development, environmental urban or regional planning; resources economics or development; environmental system management; water or land resources planning and management; environmental landscape architecture; or the physical, chemical, biological or environmental sciences for up to five years of the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

It is preferred that the selected candidate has:

 

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree (s) in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, or Aquatic sciences;
  • Coursework in Aquatic or Estuarine Ecology, General Biology, Zoology, Phycology, Ichthyology, Invertebrate Zoology;
  • Experience in all aspects of boat operations;
  • Work experience in fish collection, fish identification, benthic macroinvertebrate collection, macroinvertebrate identification, water sampling, use and care of multiparameter water quality equipment, algal sampling, and algal identification;
  • Holds or previously held a certification by Maryland Biological Stream Survey (MBSS) for Fish Taxonomy, Benthic Macroinvertebrate Sampling, and or Fish Crew Leader; 
  • Holds or previously held a certification from the Society of Freshwater Science for any invertebrate group taxonomy.

 

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position is open to current permanent and contractual employees within MDE.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that 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 the information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

 

Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable.  Please note that you will be required by the appointing agency to provide proof upon hire of all certifications, licenses, educational and work experience.  For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

 

All Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration and Reform Control Act. You must be legally authorized and possess any necessary documents under this Act in order to be hired in the position for which you applied.  

 

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS  (Click ctrl+link to view all benefits)

PERSONAL LEAVE - New State employees are awarded six (6) personal leave days annually (prorated based on start date).

ANNUAL LEAVE - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

SICK LEAVE – fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.

PARENTAL LEAVE – up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

HOLIDAYS – State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year. 

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Acacia Laing MDE, Office of Human Resources, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore MD 21230 or email acacia.laing@maryland.gov.  Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.


For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Acacia Laing at 410-537-3233. 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 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.  


We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.  People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.  As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.




Powered by JobAps