Aquatic Biologist 1 (Limited-Term)

About the role

Turn your passion for aquatic science into meaningful public service! As an Aquatic Biologist 1 with the Department of Environmental Protection, Southcentral Regional Office Clean Water, you will contribute to field surveys and water quality assessments that support environmental protection programs. Every sample collected and every report completed helps build a better understanding of Pennsylvania's surface waters. Take part in rewarding work that has a lasting impact on the environment.

This position supports the monitoring and assessment of surface waters through field surveys, sample collection, data management, and technical reporting. The work helps provide valuable information used to evaluate water quality and support environmental programs throughout the Commonwealth. As an Aquatic Biologist 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Stream Surveys: Conduct waterbody surveys to support the monitoring and assessment of surface waters
• Sample Collection: Collect biological and water chemistry samples from streams and other surface waters
• Equipment Operation: Calibrate and operate field meters used during environmental sampling activities
• Habitat Evaluation: Assess habitat conditions and document environmental characteristics observed during surveys
• Data Management: Enter, maintain, and update information within electronic databases and GIS systems
• Technical Reporting: Prepare reports and process biological samples to document survey findings and results

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Limited term (6 month), full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 3 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Hourly: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting hourly rate of $27.10 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• A bachelor's degree with a major in a biological science, natural science, environmental science, or natural resource management, including or supplemented by six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six college credits in freshwater aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, aquatic botany, water pollution biology, entomology, limnology, or closely related aquatic science coursework.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree/credits.

Special Requirements

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle license.

Other Requirements

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

Additional information

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
• your score may be lower than deserved.
• you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.