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NATURAL RESOURCES BIOLOGIST II

Stranding Biologist

Recruitment #24-003121-0006

Introduction

Contractual Natural Resources Biologist II- Stranding Biologist

GRADE

15

LOCATION OF POSITION

904 S. Morris Street, Oxford, MD 21654

Main Purpose of Job

The Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services is currently accepting applications for a Contractual Natural Resources Biologist II position, located in Oxford, Maryland. This position will assist the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Coordinator 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.

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 two 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 two 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 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

  • Candidate has prior experience with federally protected, threatened, and endangered marine mammals or sea turtles, 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 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 holidays (on occasion).
  • Candidate should have the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted and be willing to work outdoors under harsh weather conditions.

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 accept information submitted after this date. 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 and qualifications 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 who has worked 120 days in a 12 month period. This leave accrues at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

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 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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